LIBRARY 

OF   THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Class 


R  A 
OF  THE 

(  UNIVERSITY  ) 


MADONNA 


Azech 


Latin  Hymns  in  English  Verse 

WITS  SHORT  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
OF  THEIR  AUTHORS 


BY   THE 


RT.  REV.  JAMES  H.  VAN  BUREN,  D.D. 

Missionary  Bishop  of  Puerto  Rico 


INTRODUCTION  BY 

HENRY  P.  WRIGHT,  PH.D.,  LL.D. 
Professor  and  Dean  in  Yale  College 


RA 

Of  THI 

(   UNIVERSITY  } 
.or 


OLD  CORNER  BOOK  STORE  (Iwc.) 

BOSTON,  MASSACHUSETTS 

1904 


9YM& 


'"Vf' 
. 


COPYRIGHT  1904 
Br  BT.  BEV.  JAMES  H.  VAN  BUBEX,  D.D. 


TO 

and 


THESE 

STUDIES   IN   THE   ANCIENT    HTMNODY 
OF   THE    CHURCH 

ABE 
AFFECTIONATELY   DEDICATED 


INTRODUCTION 

ONE  of  the  first  fruits  of  the  Spirit  is  joy,  and  joy  is 
naturally  expressed  in  song.  James  (v.  13)  says,  "Is 
any  merry?  let  him  sing  psalms."  Paul  (Eph.  v.  19) 
urges  Christians  to  sing  and  make  melody  in  their 
hearts  to  the  Lord,  and  exhorts  them  (Eph.  v.  19, 
Col.  iii.  16)  to  help  one  another  when  they  come  to- 
gether for  worship,  by  "  psalms  and  hymns  and  spir- 
itual songs."  At  midnight,  in  prison,  Paul  and  Silas 
"  were  praying  and  singing  hymns  unto  God  "  (Acts 
xvi.  25).  The  worship  of  the  church  from  the  begin- 
ning included  the  singing  both  of  psalms  used  in  the 
Jewish  ritual  and  also  of  hymns  that  were  peculiar  to 
the  Christian  service. 

Besides  the  four  great  anthems  given  by  Luke,  the 
Magnificat  (i.  46-55),  the  Benedictus  (i.  68-79),  the 
Gloria  in  Excelsis  Deo  (ii.  14),  and  the  Nunc  Dimittis 
(ii.  29-32),  there  are  passages  in  the  New  Testament 
that  may  be  fragments  of  early  hymns;  e.  g.,  Eph.  v.  14, 
1  Tim.  iii.  16,  vi.  15,  16,  and  several  in  the  Apocalypse. 
It  is  probable  that  there  was  a  considerable  body  of 
these  early  hymns,  though  but  few  of  them  have  come 
down  to  us  in  any  form.  In  the  early  part  of  the 
second  century,  the  younger  Pliny,  who  was  governor 
of  Bithynia,  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Emperor  Trajan,  to 
give  him  whatever  information  he  had  obtained  about 
the  Christians  in  his  province  and  to  ask  his  advice 
about  their  treatment.  In  describing  their  meetings 
(Ep.  x.  96)  he  says,  on  the  evidence  of  those  who  ad- 
mitted that  they  belonged  to  the  sect,  that  the  Chris- 


tians  "  were  accustomed  to  come  together  on  a  certain 
day  [of  the  week]  before  daylight,  and  sing  a  hymn 
to  Christ  as  God."  As  this  is  the  only  part  of  the 
service  that  is  mentioned,  it  is  evident  that  the  singing 
of  hymns  held  a  very  important  place  in  Christian 
worship  within  a  centurj'  after  the  death  of  Christ. 

But  the  Jewish  psalms  in  Hebrew  and  the  Christian 
hymns  in  Greek  did  not  wholly  satisfy  the  needs  of 
the  Western  Church.  When  the  Christians  of  Rome 
began  to  express  their  emotions  in  Latin  hymns,  they 
soon  broke  away  from  the  restrictions  that  had  been 
imposed  upon  classical  Latin  poetry  by  Greek  influ- 
ence. Quantity  was  more  and  more  disregarded,  and 
accent  took  its  place.  This  was  a  necessary  change. 
The  lyric  verse  forms  of  Horace  and  Catullus  were  too 
artificial  and  too  difficult  to  be  appreciated  by  the 
classes  in  society  to  which  the  majority  of  the  Christian 
converts  belonged.  Simplicity  of  form,  as  well  as 
simplicity  of  thought,  was  necessary  when  the  unedu- 
cated common  people  made  up  mainly  the  congrega- 
tion that  joined  in  singing  the  hymns.  The  earliest 
meter  in  common  use  was  iambic  dimeter,  arranged 
in  stanzas  of  four  verses  each,  as  in  our  long-meter 
tunes.  This  was  the  prevailing  form  in  the  third  and 
fourth  centuries. 

The  introduction  of  accent  into  Latin  poetry  was 
gradually  followed  by  the  use  of  rhyme,  to  mark  the 
end  of  the  verse.  In  the  Ambrosian  hymns  it  is  found 
rarely.  Evidently  it  was  not  carefully  avoided,  as  in 
the  classical  poetry  of  Rome,  nor  carefully  sought,  as 
in  the  hymns  of  the  Middle  Ages.  When  it  appears,  it 
is  for  the  most  part  imperfect,  and  employed  irregu- 
larly, as  in  Aurora  lucis  rutilat  (p.  44).  In  two  hymns 
that  are  assigned  to  this  period,  Hilary's  hymn  on  the 


Epiphany  and  the  hymn  of  Pope  Damasus  on  St. 
Agatha  (p.  18),  it  is  used  intentionally  and  with  pleas- 
ing effect.  In  the  centuries  following  it  became  com- 
mon, and  in  many  of  the  hymns  of  the  twelfth  and 
thirteenth  centuries  it  was  carried  to  great  perfection, 
as  in  Ad  perennis  vitce  fontem  (p.  50),  lesu  dulcis 
memoria  (p.  116),  Hora  nomssima  (p.  122),  Dies  irce 
(p.  138),  Stabat  mater  (p.  160).  By  the  combination  of 
accent  and  rhyme  were  produced  many  stanza  forms 
that  have  kept  their  place  in  popular  favor,  and  still 
appear  in  some  of  the  most  pleasing  varieties  of  Eng- 
lish verse. 

The  language  and  style  of  the  early  hymns  are  to  a 
great  extent  borrowed  from  Scripture.  The  phrase- 
ology of  the  Old  Testament  is  often  repeated  in  them, 
but  the  central  thought  is  Christ,  —  Christ,  the  true 
light,  the  light  of  the  world,  the  sun  of  righteousness. 
They  are  characterized  by  great  simplicity  and  straight- 
forwardness. They  represent  the  longing  of  the  human 
soul  for  Christ,  joined  with  devout  adoration.  They 
are  the  glad  utterances  of  hearts  penitent  and  for- 
given, hearts  full  of  unquestioning  faith  and  a  love  to 
Christ  that  turns  sorrow  into  joy,  fear  into  hope,  and 
makes  all  trials  seem  light. 

Some  hymns  were  designed  to  commemorate 
events  in  Jewish  history  or  in  the  life  of  our  Lord,  as 
the  Days  of  Creation,  the  Nativity  (p.  64),  Easter  (p. 
44),  Pentecost  (p.  12),  the  Passion  (pp.  80,  154),  the 
Resurrection  (p.  170);  some  recall  the  sufferings  of 
the  Saints  and  Martyrs  (pp.  18,  74,  86);  some  were 
appropriate  for  different  parts  of  the  day,  especially  the 
morning, — Aeterne  rerum  conditor  (p.  24);  the  even- 
ing,—  Deus,  creator  omnium  (p.  28);  midday, — lam 
sexta  sensim  solvitur;  midnight,  —  Mediae  noctis  tempus 


est.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  Christians  in 
Bithynia  met  before  dawn  and  sang  hymns  in  their 
morning  worship,  and  that  Paul  and  Silas  in  prison 
sang  songs  at  midnight.  The  singing  of  the  sacred 
songs  at  their  appropriate  seasons  and  many  times 
each  day  must  have  given  great  spiritual  help  to  the 
early  Christians,  the  majority  of  whom  had  no  Bibles, 
and  indeed  could  not  have  read  them  if  they  had 
possessed  them.  By  this  means  they  were  not  only 
taught  regular  habits  of  worship,  but  kept  constantly 
before  their  minds  the  life  of  the  Saviour  and  the 
example  of  the  Saints,  and  became  also  somewhat 
familiar  with  the  greatest  events  in  sacred  history. 

The  hymns  were  sung  not  only  in  the  assemblies  of 
worshipers,  but  at  prayers  and  at  meals  in  the  home, 
and  by  the  workmen  at  their  work.  Jerome  says, 
"  You  could  not  go  into  the  fields  without  hearing  the 
ploughman  at  his  Hallelujahs,  the  mower  at  his  Hymns, 
and  the  vine-dresser  singing  the  Psalms  of  David." 
They  continued  to  give  comfort  to  the  mourning, 
strength  to  the  weak,  and  courage  to  the  faint-hearted 
for  many  centuries.  They  have  served  as  models  for 
hymn- writers  in  all  Christian  lands.  Some  of  the  later 
hymns  have  been  reproduced  with  great  success  in 
English;  e.g.,  Urbs  Sion  aurea  in  "  Jerusalem  the 
Golden ";  lesu  dulcis  memoria  in  "  Jesus,  the  very 
thought  of  Thee  ";  0  esca  viatorum  in  "  O  Bread  to 
pilgrims  given  ";  Veni,  Sancte  Spiritits  in  "  Come,  Holy 
Ghost,  in  love,"  and  many  others. 

A  good  English  translation  of  a  Latin  hymn  should 
keep  as  close  as  possible  to  the  thought  of  the  original, 
should  be  written  in  choice  English,  and  when  finished 
should  be  genuine  poetry.  It  seems  to  me  that  all 
these  excellencies  are  combined  in  Bishop  Van  Buren's 


translations.  The  present  collection  contains  hymns 
that  are  universally  ranked  among  the  best.  They 
are  worthy  of  study,  not  only  on  account  of  their  place 
in  Christian  literature  and  history,  but  also  for  their 
influence  on  the  literature  and  life  of  later  generations, 
and  especially  for  what  they  tell  us  of  the  faith  of  those 
early  days,  when  men  had  a  clearer  vision  of  the 
unseen  than  we  seem  to  have  to-day. 

HENRY  P.  WRIGHT. 
OAKHAM,  MASS.,  August  8,  1904. 


CHRISTIAN  HYMNODY 

RELIGION  has  always  sought  expression  in  song.  To  the 
literature  of  hymnody  every  language  has  made  contri- 
bution. In  the  vast  treasury  of  sacred  song  thus  accu- 
mulated through  the  ages,  every  element  known  to  religion 
has  a  place.  Devotion,  repentance,  praise,  doctrine,  con- 
troversy, triumph,  faith,  hope,  love,  —  all  thoughts  and 
emotions,  all  virtues  and  graces,  all  prayers  and  aspirations 
are  represented. 

Christian  hymns  have  their  ancestry,  as  is  natural,  in  the 
Hebrew.  The  fierce  war  songs  of  "  Moses  and  the  children 
of  Israel,"  the  wild  lyrics  of  "  Deborah  and  Barak  the  son 
of  Abinoam  "  testify  to  the  antiquity  of  the  custom.  The 
orders  of  singers  and  players  upon  musical  instruments, 
established  first  for  the  tabernacle  and  afterward  for  the 
temple,  indicate  the  later  formal  recognition  of  hymns  as 
a  suitable  part  of  the  public  worship.  The  Psalms  were  the 
hymnal  of  the  Hebrew  Church.  Lord  Selborne  points  out 
that  "  the  modern  distinction  between  psalms  and  hymns  is 
arbitrary."  In  the  Psalms  the  entire  range  of  religious  ex- 
perience is  embraced.  There  is  no  religious  emotion,  thought, 
or  aspiration  known  to  the  soul  of  man  that  is  not  exquisitely 
uttered  there. 

In  the  New  Testament  again,  hymns  appear.  Our  Lord 
and  the  apostles  end  the  devotions  of  the  night  before  the 
cross  with  a  hymn.  Paul  and  Silas  wake  the  midnight  echoes 
in  the  prison  at  Philippi  with  hymns.  The  epistles  contain 
frequent  references  to  Christian  songs,  and  exhortations  on 
the  subject  of  singing.  The  choicest  hymns  known  to  litur- 
gical worship  are  the  "  Magnificat,"  the  "  Benedictus," 
the  "  Nunc  dimittis  "  of  the  early  pages  of  St.  Luke;  while 


the  New  Testament  closes  amid  the  hymns  of  heaven  which 
St.  John  heard  in  the  Apocalypse. 

Among  the  Greeks  the  hymn,  in  times  post-apostolic, 
was  the  instrument  of  controversy.  Heresies  having  been 
popularized  by  the  hymns  of  the  Gnostics,  Ephraem  Syrus 
conceived  the  idea  of  counteracting  their  influence  by  the 
use  of  orthodox  words  set  to  the  same  melodies.  This  was 
in  the  second  or  third  century.  Athanasius  adopted  a  simi- 
lar course  in  the  fourth  century  as  an  offset  to  Arianism. 
St.  John  Chrysostom  organized  nocturnal  hymn  singing 
with  processions,  which  afterward  became  a  settled  custom. 
By  the  end  of  the  fifth  century  the  prominence  of  this  ele- 
ment in  the  service  of  the  Greek  Church  "  may  be  under- 
stood," says  Selborne,  "  from  the  fact  that  the  late  Dr. 
Neale  computed  four  fifths  of  the  whole  space  (about  five 
thousand  pages)  contained  in  the  different  service  books  of 
that  church  to  be  occupied  by  hymnody."  The  character  of 
the  Greek  hymns  partook  of  the  varying  fortunes  of  the 
Church  itself  and  reflected  the  ideas  which  successively  ob- 
tained prominence  in  its  theology.  Among  the  most  familiar 
translations  from  Greek  sources  are,  "  The  day  is  past  and 
over,"  from  Anatolius;  "  Christian,  dost  thou  see  them?  " 
from  Andrew  of  Crete;  and  "  Art  thou  weary  ?  "  from 
Stephen  the  Sabaite. 

Latin  hymnody  is  of  later  birth  than  the  Greek.  It  was 
introduced  in  the  fourth  century  by  Hilary  of  Poictiers  and 
Ambrose  of  Milan.  Some  of  the  early  writers  of  Latin  hymns 
will  be  mentioned  in  these  pages,  and  it  is  unnecessary  to 
dwell  upon  them  now.  Their  hymns  are  thousands  in  number, 
and  embrace  the  greatest  variety  in  subjects,  meters  and 
styles.  A  complete  study  of  the  Latin  hymns  would  require 
familiarity  with  the  following  works:  "Thesaurus  Hymno- 
logicus,"  H.  A.  Daniel,  5  vols. ;  "  Lateinische  Hymnen  des 
Mittelalters,"  F.  J.  Mone,  3  vols.;  "  Das  Deutsche  Kirchen- 
Hed,"  etc.,  Vol.  I,  P.  Wackernagel;  "Sacred  Latin  Poetry, 
Chiefly  Lyrical,"  R.  C.  Trench,  and  the  later  works  of  J.  M. 


xii 


Neale,  Mrs.  Charles,  P.  Schaff,  S.  W.  Duffield.  These  have 
been  studied  to  some  extent  in  the  preparation  of  this  book, 
together  with  Lord  Selborne's  "  History  and  Development 
of  Hymns, "  a  monograph  reproduced  in  the  Encyclopaedia 
Britannica,  and  the  "  Dictionary  of  Hymnology,"  by  John 
Julian,  M.A.  But,  as  an  exhaustive  study  of  all  these 
writers  has  been  beyond  the  limits  of  time  which  could  be 
devoted  to  the  subject,  owing  to  the  pressure  of  other  duties, 
the  author  has  contented  himself  with  a  more  modest 
undertaking,  and  has  confined  his  attention  principally  to 
Professor  March's  "  Latin  Hymns,"  to  which  he  records 
here  his  sense  of  great  obligation. 

In  the  hope  that  attention  may  be  called  anew  to  the 
Latin  hymns  and  their  writers,  and  that  others,  having 
greater  opportunity,  may  be  led  to  the  study  of  a  subject  so 
interesting  and  so  important,  this  little  book  is  published. 
A  few  simple  rules  have  guided  the  author  in  making  his 
translations,  which  it  may  be  well  briefly  to  state.  First, 
to  reproduce  the  exact  thought ;  secondly,  to  seek  for  musical 
and  poetic  expression;  thirdly,  to  disregard  the  meter  of 
the  original,  when  likely  to  trammel  the  English  verse; 
fourthly,  to  seek  the  mood  and  spirit  of  the  original  writer, 
and  let  him  speak  and  sing  his  own  message,  while  we  stand 
by  and  devoutly  listen;  fifthly,  not  to  attempt  to  rival  the 
translations  of  many  of  the  most  famous  hymns.  With 
these  few  principles  in  view,  it  has  seemed  best  to  reprint 
the  original  hymns  face  to  face  with  the  translations 
which  have  for  a  few  years  delightfully  occupied  the  rare 
moments  of  leisure  in  a  busy  life. 

J.  H.  V.  B. 


aciii 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Introduction v 

Christian  Hymnody xi 

Hilarius:  A.D.  290-368. 

Biographical  Sketch 1 

Hymnus  Matutinus 2 

Hymnus  Matutinus 6 

De  Luctu  Poenitentiae 8 

Hymnus  Pentecostalis 12 

Damasus:  A.D.  304-384. 

Biographical  Sketch 17 

Hymnus  de  S.  Agatha 18 

Ambrosius:  A.D.  340-397. 

Biographical  Sketch 23 

Hymnus  Matutinus 24 

Hymnus  Vespertinus       28 

Hymnus  in  Postulatione  Pluviae 32 

Hymnus  Tempore  Paschali 36 

In  Theophania 40 

Ambrosianus : 

Hymnus  Paschalis 14 

Augustiniani :  A.D.  354-430. 

Biographical  Sketch 49 

De  Gaudiis  Paradisi 50 

Antidotum  contra  Tyrannidem  Peccati 60 

Prudentius:  A.D.  348-420. 

Biographical  Sketch 63 

De  Nativitate  Domini 64 

In  Exsequiis 70 

De  Sanctis  Innocentibus 74 

Fortunatus:  A.D.  531-609. 

Biographical  Sketch 79 

De  Passione  Christi 80 

Beda  Venerabilis:  A.D.  677-736. 

Biographical  Sketch 85 

De  Natali  Innocentium      86 

xv 


Notkerus  Vetustior:  A.D.  850-912.  PAGE 

Biographical  Sketch 93 

Antiphona  in  Morte 94 

Antiphona:  Gloria  in  Excelsis       94 

Robertas,  Rex  Galliae:  A.D.  971-1031. 

Biographical  Sketch 97 

Ad  Sanctum  Spiritum 98 

Marbod:  A.D.  1035-1125. 

Biographical  Sketch 103 

Oratio  ad  Dominum 104 

Bernardus  Claravallensis :  A.D.  1091-1153. 

Biographical  Sketch 107 

De  Passione  Domini:  ad  Faciem 108 

Contemptio  Vanitatis  Mundi 114 

De  Nomine  lesu      116 

Bernardus  Chmiacensis :  A.D.  1100-1175  (?). 

Biographical  Sketch 121 

Hora  Novissima       122 

Adam  de  St.  Victore:  A.D.  1110-1180  (?). 

Biographical  Sketch 125 

De  Sanctis  Evangelistis 126 

Alarms  Insulanus:  A.D.  1114-1200. 

Biographical  Sketch 131 

De  Vita  Nostra 132 

Thomas  a  Celano : 

Biographical  Sketch 137 

Dies  Irae 138 

Bonaventura:  A.D.  1221-1274. 

Biographical  Sketch 147 

De  Sancta  Cruce      148 

Hymnus  de  Passione  Domini 154 

lacoponus:  A.D.          -1306. 

Biographical  Sketch 159 

Sequentia  de  Passione  Beatae  Virginis 160 

Auctoris  Incerti : 

Suspirium  Amoris 166 

De  Resurrectione 170 

Maria,  Scotiae  Regina : 

Invocatio 174 

xvj 


FIRST    LINES 

PAGE 

Ad  coeli  clara  non  sum  dignus 8 

Ad  perennis  vitae  fontem 50- 

Aeterne  rerum  conditor 24 

Aurora  lucis  rutilat 44 

Beata  nobis  gaudia 12 . 

Christum  ducem,  qui  per  crucem 154 

Circa  thronum  maiestatis 126 

Da,  puer,  plectrum,  choreis 64 

Deus,  creator  omnium 28 

Deus-homo,  Rex  coelorum 104 

Deus,  Pater  ingenite 6 

Dies  irae,  dies  ilia 138 

Grates  nunc  omnes  reddamus 94- 

Hie  est  dies  verus  Dei 36 

Hora  novissima 122 

Hymnum  canentes  martyrum 86 

7am  moesta  quiesce 70 

lesu  dulcis  memoria 116 

Inluminans  altissimus 40 

Lucis  largitor  splendide 2 

Martyris  ecce  dies 7    .    .  18 

Media  vita 94 

O  Deus,  ego  amo  te 166 

0  Domine  Deus! 174 

0  miranda  vanitas! 114 

Plaudite  coeli 170 

Quid,  tyranne!  quidminaris? 60 

Recordare  sanctae  crucis 148 

Salve,  caput  cruentatum 108 

Salvete,  flores  martyrum 74 

Squalent  arva 32 

Stabat  mater  dolorosa 160 

Veni,  Sancte  Spiritus .    .    .  98 

Vexilla  regis  prodeunt 80 

Vita  nostra  plena  bellis 132 

xvii 


HILARIUS  PICTAVIENSIS 

Hilary  was  born  at  Pictavium  (Poictiers)  about  the  end 
of  the  third  century  A.D.,  of  heathen  parentage.  He  was 
highly  educated,  early  converted,  and  became  bishop  of 
Poictiers  in  353.  By  his  success  in  controversy  with  the 
Arians  he  was  known  as  "  Malleus  Arianorum"  and  "  the 
Athanasius  of  the  West."  His  Arian  opponents  persuaded 
the  Emperor  Constantius  to  banish  him  to  Phrygia  in  356. 
There  he  observed  the  influence  of  the  Greek  hymns,  and, 
on  his  return  in  360,  he  introduced  similar  singing  into  the 
services.  He  wrote  and  published  many  contributions  to 
dogmatic  and  polemical  theology.  In  364  he  impeached 
Auxentius,  bishop  of  Milan,  a  man  high  in  imperial  favor, 
as  heterodox.  Auxentius  being  summoned  to  defend  him- 
self, gave  satisfactory  answers  to  all  the  questions  which 
were  asked,  and  Hilary  was  expelled  from  Milan  as  a  disturber 
of  the  peace.  His  later  years  were  spent  in  quiet,  and  he 
died  January  13,  368.  He  was  designated  by  Augustine  as 
"  the  illustrious  doctor  of  the  churches,"  and  by  his  energy 
and  courage  he  holds  the  highest  rank  among  the  Latin 
writers  of  his  century.  Alcuin  ascribes  the  "  Gloria  in  Ex- 
celsis  "  to  him,  and  he  has  been  called  the  father  of  Western 
hymnology.  On  the  Roman  calendar,  Hilary's  day  is 
January  14;  "  Hilary  Term  "  in  England  begins  January  11 
and  ends  January  31.  His  great  collection  of  spiritual  songs, 
called  "  Liber  Mysteriorum,"  mentioned  by  Jerome,  is  now 
lost. 


HILARIUS 


HILARIUS  PICTAVIENSIS 

I 
HYMNUS  MATUTINUS 

Lucis  largitor  splendide, 
Cuius  sereno  lumine 
Post  lapsa  noctis  tempera 
Dies  refusus  panditur; 

Tu  verus  mundi  Lucifer, 
Non  is,  qui  parvi  sideris 
Venturae  lucis  nuntius 
Angusto  fidget  lumine, 

Sed  toto  sole  clarior, 
Lux  ipse  totus  et  dies, 
Internet  nostri  pectoris 
Illuminans  praecordia: 

Adesto,  rerum  conditor, 
Paternae  lucis  gloria, 
Cuius  admota  gratia 
Nostra  patescunl  corpora. 


HILARY 


HILARY  OF  POICTIERS 

I 
MORNING  HYMN 

0  glorious  Giver  of  light, 

By  whose  all-beneficent  ray 
Are  ended  the  watches  of  night, 

And  opened  the  flood-gates  of  day; 

Light-bearer  art  Thou  to  this  earth, 
Not  he  who  foretells,  as  the  seer, 

By  flickering  starlight,  the  birth 
Of  dawn  that  is  yet  to  appear. 

But  brighter  Thyself  than  the  sun, 
Thou  art  the  All-light  and  the  Day, 

Thy  shining,  all  radiant  One, 

Drives  all  our  hearts'  darkness  away: 

Creator  of  all  things,  be  near, 
Thou  glory  of  God's  shining  face, 

Our  bodies  His  temples  appear 
When  touched  by  Thy  marvelous  grace. 


4  HILARIUS 

Tuoque  plena  spiritu, 
Secum  Dewn  gestantia, 
Ne  rapientis  perfidi 
Diris  patescant  fraudibus, 

lit  inter  actus  seculi 
Vitae  quos  usus  exigit, 
Omni  carentes  crimine 
Tuis  vivamus  legibus. 

Probrosas  mentis  castitas 
Carnis  vincat  libidines, 
Sanctumque  puri  corporis 
Delubrum  servet  Spiritus. 

Haec  spes  precantis  animae, 
Haec  sunt  votiva  munera, 
Ut  matutina  nobis  sit 
Lux  in  noctis  custodiam. 


HILARY 

And  filled  with  Thy  Spirit  the  while, 
Within  them  may  God  be  enclosed, 

Nor  may  they  to  treacherous  guile 
Of  ravaging  foes  be  exposed. 

But  e'en  'mid  employments  of  time 
Which  customs  of  this  life  shall  cause, 

May  we,  without  semblance  of  crime, 
Obediently  walk  in  Thy  laws. 

May  purity  chaste  of  (he  mind 
Our  bodies'  foul  passions  dethrone, 

Within,  may  Thy  Spirit  enshrined, 
These  temples  preserve  for  His  own. 

And  this  be  our  hope  and  our  prayer, 
And  this  our  heart's  fondest  delight, 

That  morning's  glad  sunbeams  shall  bear 
Our  souls  till  the  safeguard  of  night. 


HILARIUS 
II 

HYMNUS  MATUTINUS 

Deus,  Pater  ingenite, 
Et  Fill  unigenite, 
Quos  Trinitatis  unitas 
Sancto  connectit  Spiritu. 

Te  frustra  nullus  invocat, 
Nee  cassis  unquam  vocibus 
Amator  tui  luminis 
Ad  coelum  vultus  erigit. 

Et  tu  suspirantem  Deus, 
Vel  vota  supplicantium, 
Vel  corda  confitentium 
Semper  benignus  aspice. 

Nos  lucis  ortus  admonel 
Grates  deferre  debitas, 
Tibique  laudes  dicere, 
Quod  nox  obscura  praeterit. 

Diem  precamur  bonum, 
Ut  nostros,  Salvator,  actus 
Sinceritate  perpeti 
Pius  benigne  instruas. 


HILARY 
II 

MORNING  HYMN 

0  Father,  uncreated  God,   . 

And  Thou,  of  God  the  only  Son, 
Together  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 

United  ever,  Three  in  One. 

No  man  invoketh  Thee  in  vain, 
Nor  e'er  with  unavailing  sighs 

Doth  any  lover  of  Thy  light 
Uplift  to  heaven  his  downcast  eyes. 

Do  Thou  regard  each  soul  that  breathes 
The  vows  which  eager  suppliants  make; 

And  hearts  of  them  that  sin  confess, 
To  Thine  eternal  favour  take. 

To  render  thanks  now  justly  due, 
So  warneth  us  the  dawn  of  day; 

And  praises  unto  Thee  to  sing, 
That  gloomy  night  hath  passed  away. 

We  ask  of  Thee  a  goodly  day, 
That  Thou,  0  Saviour,  holy  One, 

Mayst  kindly  order  all  our  deeds, 
In  faultless  honour  to  be  done. 


HILARIUS 


III 

DE   LUCTU   POENITENTIAE 

[FROM  AN  ABECEDARY] 

Ad  coeli  clara  non  sum  dignus  sidera 
Levare  meos  infelices  oculos, 
Gravi  dcpressus  peccatorum  pondere: 
Parce,  Redemptor! 

Bonum  neglexi  facere,  quod  debui, 
Probrosa  gessi  sine  fine  crimina, 
Scelus  patravi  nullo  clausum  termino: 
Subveni,  Christe! 

Lugere  modo  me  permitte,  Domine, 
Mala,  quae  gessi,  reus  ab  infantia, 
Lacrimas  mihi  tua  donet  gratia 
Cordis  ab  imo. 

Meis,  ut  puto,  vitiis  Tartarea 
Tormenta  multis  non  valent  sufficere, 
Nisi  succurrat,  Christe,  tua  pietas 
Misero  mihi. 


HILARY  9 


III 

OF  THE  SORROW  OF  REPENTANCE 

[FROM  AN  ALPHABET  HYMN] 

Although  I  am  not  worthy  e'en  to  rest 
My  hapless  eyes  on  stars  of  heaven  so  fair, 

Beneath  the  burden  of  my  sins  oppressed: 
Redeemer  of  my  soul,  I  pray  Thee,  spare! 

By  me  how  oft  undone  the  good  I  ought, 
How  endless  are  the  evils  I  have  done; 

How  numberless  the  secret  wrongs  I've  wrought; 
My  help  must  come  from  Thee,  0  Christ,  alone! 

Let  me,  0  Lord,  but  mourn  my  deeds  of  shame, 
A  sinner  even  from  my  earliest  years, 

One  favour  still  my  inmost  heart  shall  claim, 
That  Thou  wilt  grant  to  me  relief  in  tears. 

Methinks  that  all  of  hell's  tormenting  pains 
Amends  for  my  transgressions  cannot  make, 

Except,  0  Christ,  my  wretched  spirit  gains 
Sufficient  aid,  for  Thy  dear  mercy's  sake. 


10  HILARIUS 

Redemptor  mundi,  unica  spes  omnium, 
Aequalis  Patri  Sanctoque  Spiritui, 
Trinus  et  unus  Deus  invisibilis, 
MM  succurre! 

Si  me  subtili  pensas  sub  libramin-e, 
Spes  in  me  nulla  remanet  fiduciae, 
Sed  rogativa  me  salvet  potentia 
Filius  Dei. 

Xriste,  te  semper  recta  fide  labiis 
Confessus,  corde  credidi  orthodoxo, 
Haereticorum  dogma  nefas  respui 
Pectore  puro. 

Ymnum  fideli  modulando  gutture 
Arrium  sperno,  latrantem  Sabellium, 
Assensi  nunquam  grunnienti  Simoni 
Fauce  susurra. 

Zelwn  pro  Christi  sum.  zelatus  nomine, 
Nam  sancta  mater  lacte  me  catholico 
Tempus  per  omne  nutrivit  Ecclesia 
Ubere  sacro. 

Gloria  Sanctae  Trinitati  unicae 
Sit  Deo  Patri,  Genito,  Paraclito, 
Laus  meo  sonet  in  ore  perpetuum 
Domini  semper. 


HILARY  11 

Redeemer  of  the  world,  man's  hope  alone, 
With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost  divine, 

Thou  unseen  Godhead  ever  Three  in  One, 
0  be  Thy  mighty  succour  henceforth  mine! 

Shouldst  Thou  but  weigh  me  in  Thine  equal  scale, 
In  me  nor  hope  nor  courage  wTould  remain; 

But  still  Thy  power  to  save  me  would  not  fail, 
0  Son  of  God,  whose  aid  none  seeks  in  vain. 

Xrist,  ever  have  I  Thee  with  faith  correct, 
With  heart  and  lips  most  orthodox,  confessed, 

Disdaining  sinful  dogmas  of  each  sect 
That  sought  a  resting  place  in  my  pure  breast. 

Yea,  I  despise  the  mocking  Arian's  whine, 
The  low  Sabellian's  barking,  dog-like  howl; 

Nor  have  I  joined  with  Simon's  filthy  swine 
Whose  jaws  are  ever  parted  with  a  growl. 

Zeal  for  the  name  of  Christ  have  I  confessed; 

For  holy  mother  Church,  with  milk  sincere, 
Hath  nourished  me.  and  from  her  sacred  breast 

Hath  fed  me  through  each  swiftly  passing  year. 

To  God  the  Father,  Son  and  Paraclete, 
Shall  glory  be  ascribed,  0  Three  in  One, 

And  evermore  the  praise  will  I  repeat 

Of  Thee,  0  Lord,  while  time  its  course  shall  run. 


12  HILARIUS 


IV 

HYMNUS  PENTECOSTALIS 

Beata  nobis  gaudia 
Anni  reduxit  orbita, 
Cum  Spiritus  paraclitus 
Illapsus  est  discipulis. 

Ignis  vibrante  lumine 
Linguae  figuram  detulit, 
Verbis  ut  essent  proflui, 
El  charitate  fervidi. 

Linguis  loquuntur  omnium; 
Turbae  pavent  gentilium: 
Musto  madere  deputant, 
Quos  Spiritus  repleverat. 

Patrata  sunt  haec  mystice, 
Paschae  peracto  tempore, 
Sacro  dierum  circulo, 
Quo  lege  fit  remissio. 


HILARY  13 


IV 

A  PENTECOSTAL  HYMN 

The  year's  brief  round  on  flying  feet 

Hath  our  blest  joys  restored, 
Since  now  is  God,  the  Paraclete, 

On  His  disciples  poured. 

With  lambent  flame,  the  fire  to  each 
Brought  tongues  from  heaven  above, 

That  they  might  fluent  be  in  speech 
And  glow  with  hearts  of  love. 

Speaking  with  tongues  of  all,  they  come; 

The  throng  with  fear  is  stilled: 
Then  mocks  them  as  though  drunken,  whom 

The  Holy  Ghost  hath  filled. 

In  mystery  these  things  are  done; 

The  Paschal  season  o'er, 
The  days  their  sacred  course  have  run, 

Our  freedom  comes  once  more. 


14  HILARIUS 

Te  nunCj  piissime  Deus, 
Vultu  precamur  cernuo: 
Illapsa  nobis  coelitus 
Largire  dona  Spiritus! 

Dudum  sacrala  pedora 
Tua  replesti  gratia, 
Dimitte  nostra  crimina, 
Et  da  quieta  temporal 


HILARY  15 

O  God  most  merciful,  to  Thee 

We  pray  with  downcast  face; 
Bestow  on  us  abundantly 

Thy  Spirit's  heavenly  grace! 

Already  Thou  with  gifts  divine 
Hast  filled  each  hallowed  breast, 

O  banish  sin  from  that  pure  shrine 
And  grant  us  peaceful  rest! 


DAMASUS 

Authorities  differ  as  to  the  place  of  his  birth,  about  304 
A.D.,  probably  in  Spain  or  Portugal.  He  was  the  thirty-ninth 
Bishop  of  Rome,  consecrated  366  A.D.,  and  died  in  384. 
His  character  is  of  renowned  or  doubtful  virtue,  according 
to  the  prejudices  of  the  historians.  During  his  occupancy 
of  the  papal  throne,  a  law  was  promulgated  by  the  Emperor 
Valentinian  prohibiting  the  clergy  from  permitting  or  in- 
fluencing penitents  to  enrich  them.  Damasus  had  a  con- 
flict with  the  antipope,  Ursinus,  to  maintain  his  position 
as  pope,  and  the  struggle  resulted  in  bloodshed.  Gibbon 
says  that  Damasus  "  had  the  good  sense  or  the  good  for- 
tune to  engage  in  his  service  the  zeal  and  abilities  of  the 
learned  Jerome,  and  the  grateful  saint  has  celebrated  the 
merit  and  purity  of  a  very  ambiguous  character."  The- 
odoret,  however,  places  him  "  at  the  head  of  the  famous 
doctors  of  the  Latin  Church." 


17 


18  DAMASUS 


DAMASUS 

HYMNUS  DE  S.  AGATHA 

Martyris  ecce  dies  Agathae 
Virginis  emicat  eximiae, 
Christus  earn  sibi  qua  social 
Et  diadema  duplex  decor  at. 

Stirpe  decens,  elegans  specie, 
Sed  magis  aclibus  atque  fide, 
Terrea  prospera  nil  reputans, 
lussa  Dei  sibi  corde  ligans, 

Fortior  haec  trucibusque  viris 
Exposuit  sua  membra  flagris; 
Pectore  quam  fuerit  valido 
Torta  mamilla  docet  patido. 

Deliciae  cui  career  erat, 
Pastor  ovem  Petrus  hanc  recreat; 
Inde  gavisa  magisque  flagrans 
Cuncta  flagella  cucurrit  ovans. 


DAMASUS  19 


DAMASUS 
A  HYMN  OF  ST.  AGATHA 

Now  behold,  the  glad  day  of  Saint  Agatha  comes, 
Blessed  martyr  and  virgin  renowned, 

In  the  which  Christ  hath  taken  her  unto  Himself, 
And  with  diadem  twofold  hath  crowned. 

Though  distinguished  by  birth,  and  of  beauteous 
form, 

Yet  in  faith  and  in  works  she  excelled; 
Disregarding  all  earthly  possessions  and  wealth, 

In  her  heart  God's  commandments  she  held. 

And  this  maiden  far  braver  than  barbarous  men, 
To  their  scourges  her  body  laid  bare; 

With  what  mighty  endurance  her  soul  was  endowed 
Let  her  tortured  breast  plainly  declare. 

To  this  lamb  for  whose  comfort  a  dungeon  was  given, 
Comes  the  shepherd,  Saint  Peter,  to  bless; 

Thence,  rejoicing  and  evermore  ardent,  she  ran, 
Through  all  tortures  exultant  to  press. 


20  DAMASUS 

Eihnica  turba  rogum  Jugiens 
Huius  et  ipsa  meretur  opem; 
Quos  fidei  titulus  decorat, 
His  Venerem  magis  ipsa  premat. 

lam  renitens  quasi  sponsa  polo 
Pro  miseris  supplica  Domino, 
Sic  sua  festa  coli  faciat 
Se  celebraniibus  ut  faveat. 

Gloria  cum  Poire  sit  Genito, 
Spirituique  proinde  sacro, 
Qui  Deus  unus  et  omnipotens 
Hanc  nostri  faciat  memorem. 


DAMASUS  21 

Lo,  the  throng  of  barbarians  fleeing  from  death, 

Her  assistance  deservedly  claim; 
But  in  those  whom  the  name  of  the  faithful  adorns, 

May  she  quench  passion's  deadlier  flame. 

As  a  bride,  with  thy  Lord  interceding  in  heaven, 
For  the  wretched,  0  kneel  at  His  throne; 

So  thy  festival  day  may  He  cause  to  be  loved, 
As  He  favors  those  keeping  His  own. 

To  the  Son,  with  the  Father  and  Spirit,  henceforth 

Be  all  glory  and  honour  and  laud: 
We  beseech  Thee  to  keep  her  still  mindful  of  us, 

0  Thou  one  and  omnipotent  God. 


AMBROSIUS 

A  native  of  Troves  in  Gaul,  the  great  bishop  of  Milan, 
champion  of  orthodoxy  against  the  Arians,  teacher  of  Au- 
gustine, master  of  the  art  of  eloquence,  Ambrose  is  one  of 
the  most  conspicuous  figures  in  ecclesiastical  history.  He 
was  born  about  340  A.D.,  consecrated  bishop  in  374,  and 
died  in  397.  His  character  has  not  escaped  the  breath  of 
calumny,  but  all  efforts  at  detraction  have  failed  to  remove 
him  from  the  high  estimation  history  has  accorded  to  him. 
His  reluctance  to  accept  the  office  of  bishop  seems  to  have 
been  sincere,  and  his  integrity  in  the  administration  of  the 
office  as  marked  as  the  simplicity  of  his  life.  He  was  of 
noble  birth  and  high  education.  The  undoubted  author  of 
many  hymns,  there  are  many  more  ascribed  to  him  which 
he  probably  did  not  compose.  Duffield  says:  "  The  bishop 
met  three  great  enemies  during  his  career.  First  appeared 
Idolatry,  championed  by  Symmachus ;  then  followed  Heresy, 
championed  by  Justina;  and  now  came  Despotism,  behind 
which  stood  the  beloved  Theodosius."  His  bones  were 
deposited  in  the  church  of  San  Ambrogio,  the  cathedral 
which  stands  on  the  old  site  in  the  city  of  Milan,  where  a 
church  was  built  in  387. 


24  AMBROSIUS 


AMBROSIUS 

I 
HYMNUS  MATUTINUS 

Aeterne  rerum  conditor, 
Noctem  diemque  qui  regis, 
Et  temporum  das  tempora, 
Ut  alleves  fastidium; 

Praeco  did  iam  sonat, 
Noctis  profundae  pervigil, 
Nocturna  lux  viantibus, 
A  node  noctem  segregans. 

Hoc  excitatus  lucifer 
Solvit  polum  caligine, 
Hoc  omnis  errorum  chorus 
Viam  nocendi  deserit. 

Hoc  nauta  vires  colligit 
Pontique  mitescunt  freta, 
Hoc  ipsa  petra  ecclesiae 
Canente  culpam  diluit. 


AMBROSE  25 


AMBROSE 

I 
MORNING  HYMN 

Creator  everlasting,  Thou 
Who  rulest  night  and  day, 

And  giv'st  the  boundaries  of  time, 
Our  weariness  to  stay; 

Now  sounds  the  herald  of  the  morn 
Who  through  deep  night  abides, 

A  sleepless  guide  for  wandering  feet, 
And  night  from  night  divides. 

Awaked  by  him,  the  morning  star 
From  gloom  clears  all  the  sky, 

While  error's  every  host,  at  this, 
Their  evil  courses  fly. 

The  sailor  now  regains  his  strength, 
The  sea's  wild  waves  grow  tame, 

As,  at  this  sound,  the  Church's  rock 
Himself  deplored  his  shame. 


26  AMBROSIUS 

Surgamus  ergo  strenue! 
Gallus  iacentes  excitat, 
Et  somnolentos  increpat, 
Gallus  negantes  arguit. 

Gallo  canente  spes  redit, 
Acgris  salus  refunditur, 
Mucro  latronis  conditur, 
Lapsis  fides  revertitur. 

lesu,  labentes  respice, 
Et  nos  videndo  corrige, 
Si  respicis,  lapsus  cadunt, 
Fletuque  culpa  solvitur. 

Tu  lux  refulge  sensibus, 
Mentisque  somnum  discute, 
Te  nostra  vox  primum  sonet 
Et  ore  psallamus  tibi. 


or  THE 
(  UNIVERSITY  j 

AMBROSE  27 


Then  let  us  rise  up  valiantly! 

The  cock  rings  forth  his  cry. 
He  doth  upbraid  the  slumberers, 

Refutes  those  who  deny. 

When  crows  the  cock  our  hope  returns, 
Health  o'er  the  sick  is  poured, 

The  robber's  sword  is  safely  sheathed, 
The  faint  find  faith  restored. 

0  Jesus,  mark  us  when  we  fall, 

And  by  Thy  look  restrain, 
Our  errors  cease,  if  Thou  behold, 

And  tears  wash  out  their  stain. 

Thou  Light  upon  our  senses  shine, 
Our  minds'  dull  sleep  dispel, 

Our  voices  first  shall  sing  to  Thee, 
Our  mouth  Thy  praises  tell. 


28  AMBROSIUS 


II 

HYMNUS  VESPERTINUS 

Deus,  creator  omnium 
Polique  rector,  vesliens 
Diem  decoro  lumine, 
Noctem  soporis  gratia, 

Artus  solutos  ut  quies 
Reddat  laboris  usui, 
Mentesque  fessas  allevet 
Luctusque  solvat  anxios. 

Grates  peracto  iam  die 
Et  noctis  exortu  preces, 
Votis,  reos  ut  adiuves, 
Hymnum  canentes  solvimus. 

Te  cordis  ima  concinant, 
Te  vox  canora  concrepet, 
Te  diligat  castus  amor, 
Te  mens  adoret  sobria. 


AMBROSE  29 


II 

EVENING  HYMN 

God  who  hast  created  all, 
Sovereign  Ruler  throned  on  high, 

Day's  bright  vestures  from  Thee  fall, 
Grace  of  sleep  when  night  draws  nigh. 

May  sweet  rest  these  weary  frames 

To  their  wonted  toil  restore, 
Lift  our  souls  from  sordid  claims, 

Banish  grief  to  come  no  more. 

Now  the  day  its  course  hath  run, 
As  Thou  bidd'st,  our  prayers  we  raise; 

Now  the  darkness  stealeth  on, 
Hymns  we  sing  of  joy  and  praise. 

Thee  our  inmost  hearts  would  sing, 
Thee  would  sing  each  tuneful  voice; 

Yielding  love's  pure  offering, 
Our  adoring  souls  rejoice. 


30  AMBROSIUS 

Ut  cum  profunda  clauserit 
Diem  caligo  noctium, 
Fides  tenebras  nesciat 
Et  nox  fide  reluceat. 

Dormire  mentem  ne  sinas, 
Dormire  culpa  noverit; 
Castos  fides  refrigerans 
Somni  vaporem  tem.peret. 

Exuta  sensu  lubrico 
Te  cordis  alta  somnient, 
Ne  hostis  invidi  dolo 
Pavor  quietos  suscitet. 


Christum  rogemus  et  Patrem 
Christi  Patrisque  Spiritum, 
Unum  potens  per  omnia 
Fove  precantes  Trinitas. 


AMBROSE  31 

So  when  deepening  shades  of  night 
Round  the  day  their  folds  entwine, 

Faith  shall  put  all  gloom  to  flight, 
And  by  faith  the  night  shall  shine. 

Suffer  not  our  souls  to  sleep 

Slumbers  which  the  sinful  knows: 

Faith  with  cooling  powers  keep 
Fevered  dreams  from  our  repose. 

Emptied  of  each  stealthy  sense, 
Dreams  of  Thee  our  souls  shall  fill; 

Nor  shall  foernan's  violence 

Rouse  from  rest  with  fear  of  ill. 

Unto  thee,  0  Christ,  we  pray, 

Father,  Spirit,  One  in  Three, 
Keep  us  by  Thy  might  alway, 

Ever  blessed  Trinity. 


32  AMBROSIUS 

III 

HYMNUS  IN  POSTULATIONE  PLUVIAE 

Squalent  arva  soli  pulvere  multo, 
Pallet  siccus  ager,  terra  fatiscit, 
Nidlus  ruris  honos,  nulla  venustas, 
Quando  nulla  viret  gratia  florum. 
Tellus  dura  sitit,  nescia  roris, 
Fons  iam  nescit  aquas,  flumina  cursus, 
Herbam  nescit  humus,  nescit  aratrum, 
Magno  rupta  patet  turpis  hiatu. 
Fervens  sole  dies,  igneus  ardor 
Ipsas  urit  aves,  frondea  rami 
Fessis  tecta  negant,  pulvis  arenae 
Sicco  dispuitur  ore  via,ntis. 
Ventis  ora  ferae,  bestia  ventis, 
Captantesque  viri  /lamina  ventis, 
Ventis  et  volucres  ora  redudunt, 
Hoc  mulcere  sitim  fraude  volentes. 
Foetus  cerva  suos,  pignora  cerva, 
Foetus  cerva  siti  fessa  recusat, 
Foetus  cerva  pios  moesta  relinquit, 
Quaesitam  quoniam  non  vehit  herbam. 
Venerunt  iuvenes  pocula  noti 
Quaerentes  putei,  lymphaque  fugit, 


AMBROSE  33 

III 

HYMN  IN  SUPPLICATION  FOR  RAIN 

Squalid,  the  glebe,  with  thick-strewn  dust,  is  lying; 

Parched  is  the  plain;  the  land  is  cracked  and  dried; 
Glory  and  grace  from  flowery  meads  are  dying; 

Beauty  and  bloom  in  earth  no  more  abide. 
Thirsts  the  dry  land,  in  vain,  for  dews  of  morning; 

Rivers  and  springs  forsake  their  wonted  course; 
Withered  the  grass,  the  plowshare  earth  is  scorning, 

Gaping  and  cloven  by  some  baleful  force. 
Daily  the  sun  with  ardent,  fiery  glowing, 

Scorches  the  very  birds  whose  leafy  nest 
Gives  them  no  shelter;  dust  the  pilgrim  blowing 

From  his  dry  mouth,  is  vainly  seeking  rest. 
Wild  beasts  and  cattle,  men  and  birds  of  heaven 

Open  their  mouths  to  drink  the  winds  that  seethe ; 
Longing  their  thirst  t'  assuage,  if  it  be  given, 

By  fond  deception :  naught  but  flames  they  breathe. 
Hinds  e'en  refuse  the  offspring  that  they  cherish; 

Hinds   fagged   with    thirst    their    tender   young 

forsake. 

Hinds   in   their   grief   their   young   must    leave    to 
perish, 

Since  in  their  search  no  juicy  herb  they  take. 
Youths   come  with   bowls,   to   well-known   cisterns 
wending, 

Come  but  to  find  the  limpid  waters  flown; 


34  AMBROSIUS 

Et  vasis  vacuis  tecta  revisunt, 
Fletus,  heu !  proprios  ore  bibentes. 
Bos  praesepe  suum  linquit  inane, 
Pratorumque  rolens  carpere  gramcn 
Nudam  versat  humum:  sic  pecus  omne 
Fraudatum  moriens  labitur  herbis. 
Radices  nemorum  rustica  plebes 
Explorat  misero  curva  labore, 
Solarique  famem  cortice  quaerit, 
Nee  succos  teneros  arida  praestat. 
Hanc  peccata  famem  nostra  merentur, 
Sed  merce  propria,  Christe,  faveto, 
Quo  culpa  gravior  gratia  maior 
lusti  supplicii  vincla  resolvat. 
lam  coelos  reseres,  arvaque  laxcs 
Fecundo  placidus  imbre  rogamus; 
Heliae  meritis  impia  saecla 
Donasli  pluvia:  nos  quoque  dones! 

Aeterne  Genitor,  gloria  Christo 
Semper  cum  Genito  sit  tibi  Sancto 
Compar  Spiritui,  qui  Deus  unus 
Pollens  perpetuis  inclyte  saeclis! 


AMBROSE  35 

Then  with  their  empty  vessels  homeward  tending, 

Weep  they,  alas!  and  drink  but  tears  alone. 
Kine  that  from  empty  stalls  their  way  have  taken, 

Hoping  to  graze  the  meadows'  scant  supplies, 
Mumble  the  soil  denuded  and  forsaken; 

Thus  all  the  herd,  of  herbs  defrauded,  dies. 
Seeking  for  roots,  to  depths  of  woodland  flying, 

Wretched,  the  rustics  all  their  toil  apply; 
Fain  would  with  bark  their  want  be  satisfying: 

Dried  up,  no  scantiest  sap  it  doth  supply. 
Justly  our  guilt  this  retribution  needeth; 

Yet  for  Thine  own  sake,  Christ,  our  prayer  approve : 
And  by  as  much  as  guilt  in  us  exceedeth, 

May  Thine  abounding  grace  our  bonds  remove. 
Open  the  heavens,  by  Thy  benignant  powers, 

Bless,  we  beseech,  with  fruitful  rain  the  field; 
Once  to  a  sinful  race  Thou  gavest  showers 

Hearing  Elijah:  —  to  us  likewise  yield! 

Father  eternal,  glory  shall  be  given 

Ever  to  Thee,  with  Christ  Thine  only  Son, 

And  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  One  in  heaven, 
Might  and  dominion  while  the  ages  run! 


36  AMBROSIUS 


IV 
HYMNUS  TEMPORE  PASCHALI 

Hie  est  dies  verus  Dei, 
Sancto  serenus  lumine, 
Quo  diluit  sanguis  sacer 
Probrosa  mundi  crimina, 

Fidem  refundens  perditis, 
Caecosquc  visu  illuminans: 
Quern  non  gravi  solvit  metu 
Latronis  dbsolutio? 

Qui  praemio  mutans  crucem 
lesum  brevi  acquirit  fide, 
lustusque  praevio  gradu 
Pervenit  in  regnum  Dei. 

Opus  stupent  et  angeli, 
Poenam  videntes  corporis, 
Christoque  adhaerentem  reum 
Vitam  beatam  carpere. 


AMBROSE  37 


IV 
A  HYMN  FOR  EASTERTIDE 

This  is  in  truth  the  day  of  God, 

With  holy  light  serene, 
On  which  the  world's  disgraceful  sins 

His  sacred  blood  made  clean. 

Restoring  faith  to  sinners  lost, 
For  blind,  with  sight  it  glows: 

To  whom  doth  not  the  pardoned  thief 
Release  from  fear  disclose? 

Who  with  quick  faith  exchanged  the  cross 

For  Jesus,  his  reward, 
And  entered,  even  ere  the  just, 

The  kingdom  of  his  Lord. 

The  angels  marvel  at  the  deed, 

They  see  the  body's  pain, 
And  yet  the  guilty,  joined  to  Christ, 

Life's  fullest  blessings  gain. 


38  AMBROSIUS 

Mysterium  mirabile, 
Ut  dbluat  mundi  luem, 
Peccata  tollit  omnium, 
Carnis  vitia  mundans  caro. 

Quid  hoc  potest  sublimius, 
Ut  culpa  quaerat  gratiam 
Metumque  solvat  caritas 
Reddatque  mors  vitam  novamf 

Hamum  sibi  mors  devoret 
Suisque  se  nodis  liget: 
Moriatur  vita  omnium 
Resurgat  ut  vita  omnium. 

Cum  mors  per  omnes  transeat, 
Omnes  resurgant  mortui: 
Consumpta  mors  ictu  suo 
Perisse  se  solam  gemit. 


AMBROSE  39 

0  mystery  most  wonderful! 

Of  curse  the  world  to  cure 
The  flesh  that  cleanseth  sins  of  flesh 

Doth  all  men's  sins  endure. 

Than  this  what  can  be  more  sublime, 
That  guilt  for  grace  should  sue, 

That  perfect  love  should  cast  out  fear, 
And  death  should  life  renew? 

Death  gulps  the  hook,  and  then  himself 

With  his  own  knots  he  ties: 
The  Life  of  all  men  dies,  that  so 

The  life  of  all  may  rise. 

Since  death  on  all  hath  passed,  may  all 

The  dead  arise  once  more: 
And  Death,  destroyed  by  his  own  blow, 

His  death  alone  deplore. 


40  AMimosius 


V 

IN   TlIEOPHANIA 

Inluminans  altissimus 
Micantium  aslrorum  globos, 
Pax,  vita,  lumen,  verilas, 
lesu,  fave  precantibus; 

8eu  mystico  baptivmate 
Fluenta  Jordanis  retro 
Conversa  quodam  tempore 
Praesente  sacraris  die; 

Sen  stella  partum  virginis 
Coelo  micans  signaverit, 
Et  hac  adoratum  die 
Praesepe  magos  duxerit; 

Vel  hydriis  plenis  aqua 
Vini  saporem  fuderis, 
Hamit  minister  conscius, 
Quod  ipse  non  impleverat. 


AM D HOSE  41 


V 

FOR  THE  EPIPHANY 

0  Thou  who  shinest  from  on  high 
Upon  each  gleaming  planet's  sphere, 

Thou  Peace,  and  Life,  and  Light,  and  Truth, 
0  Jesus,  now  Thy  suppliants  hear. 

Or  whether  Thou  by  mystic  rite 
Didst  hallow,  on  this  very  day, 

The  Jordan's  stream  that  once  of  old 
Was  reverently  turned  away; 

Or  whether,  gleaming  in  the  heaven, 
The  star  disclosed  the  Virgin's  Son, 

Arid  on  this  day  the  magi  led 
To  worship  at  Thy  manger  throne; 

Or  Thou  didst  then  the  taste  infuse 
Of  wine,  in  jars  with  water  stored, 

The  servant  drew,  though  knowing  well 
That  naught  therein  himself  had  poured. 


42  AMBROSIUS 

Aquas  colorari  videns, 
Inebriare  flumina, 
Elementa  mutata  stupet 
Transire  in  usus  alteros. 

Sic  quinque  millibus  virum 
Dum  quinque  panes  dividis, 
Edentium  sub  dentibus 
In  ore  crescebat  cibus; 

Multiplicabatur  magis 
Dispendio  panis  suo, 
Quis  haec  videns  mirabitur 
luges  meatus  faucium? 

Inter  manus  frangentium 
Panis  rigatur  profluus, 
Intacta,  quae  non  fregerant, 
Fragmenta  subrepunt  viris. 


AMBROSE  43 

Beholding  then  the  waters  blush 

In  an  intoxicating  flood, 
Too  greatly  wondering  at  the  change 

To  turn  to  other  things,  he  stood. 

And  so,  when  to  five  thousand  men 
Five  loaves  of  bread  Thou  didst  divide, 

And  even  whilst  they  ate,  the  food 
Within  their  mouths  was  multiplied; 

The  bread  was  multiplied  far  more 
Than  even  that  which  had  been  spent; 

And  seeing  this,  who  still  will  feel, 
At  feasting  men,  astonishment? 

And  whilst  they  break,  within  their  hands 
The  bread  a  flowing  stream  becomes, 

And  lo!  that  which  they  did  not  break 
Creeps  to  the  men,  untouched,  in  crumbs. 


44  AMBROSIANUS 

AMBROSIANUS 

I 

HYMNUS  PASCHALIS 

Aurora  lucis  rutilat, 
Coelum  laudibus  intonat, 
Mundus  exultans  iubilat, 
Gemens  infernus  ululat, 

Cum  rex  ille  fortissimus, 
Mortis  confradis  viribus, 
Pede  conculcans  Tartara 
Solvit  a  poena  miseros! 

Ille,  qui  clausus  lapidc 
Custoditur  sub  milite, 
Triumphans  pompa  nobili 
Victor  surgit  de  funere. 

Solutis  iam  gemitibus 
Et  inferni  doloribus, 
"  Quia  surrexit  Dominus!" 
Resplendens  clamat  angelus. 

Tristes  erant  apostoli 
De  nece  sui  Domini, 
Quern  poena  mortis  crudeli 
Servi  damnarant  impii. 


LAUS   DEO      Fra  Angelica 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


AMBROSIAN  45 

AMBROSIAN 

I 
EASTER  HYMN 

Crimson  glows  the  ruddy  morning, 

Alleluias  fill  the  skies, 
Earth  rejoices,  hell  is  mourning, 

Mingled  groans  and  shouts  arise; 

For  the  King,  renowned,  all  glorious, 
Comes  His  captive  saints  to  free, 

Over  death  and  hell  victorious, 
Pain  and  woe  before  Him  flee! 

Vain  the  rock  with  sealed  portal, 
Him  no  Roman  guard  can  keep, 

Lo!  in  triumph  clad,  immortal, 
He,  the  Victor,  wakes  from  sleep. 

Groans  forevermore  are  ended, 

Ended  now  the  woes  of  hell, 
"Jesus  hath  from  death  ascended!" 

Angels  bright  the  message  tell. 

Chosen  ones,  with  visage  mournful, 
Wept  their  Lord,  betrayed  and  slain 

By  the  cruel,  base  and  scornful, 
Tortured,  agonized  with  pain. 


46  AMBROSIANUS 

Sermone  blando  angelus 
Praedixit  mulieribus; 
11  In  Galilaea  Dominus 
Videndus  est  quantocius!" 

Illae  dum  pergunt  concite 
Apostolis  hoc  dicer e, 
Videntes  eum  vivere 
Osculantur  pedcs  Domini. 

Quo  agnito  discipuli 
In  Galilaeam  propere 
Pergunt  videre  faciem 
Desideratam  Domini. 

Claro  paschali  gaudio 
Sol  mundo  nitet  radio, 
Cum  Christum  iam  apostoli 
Visu  cernunt  corporeo. 

Ostensa  sibi  vulnera 
In  Christi  came  fulgida 
Resurrexisse  Dominion 
Voce  fatentur  publica. 

Rex  Christe  clementissime, 
Tu  corda  nostra  posside, 
Ut  tibi  laudes  debitas 
Reddamus  omni  tempore! 


AMBROSIAN  47 

Now  with  voices  wondrous  tender, 

Angels  to  the  women  speak, 
"  Homage  to  your  Master  render, 

Him  in  Galilee  go  seek." 

While  they  now  with  joy  and  fearing 

Speed,  the  message  to  repeat, 
They  behold  the  Lord  appearing, 

Worship  Him,  and  kiss  His  feet. 

When  His  brethren  learn  the  story, 

Hasten  they  to  Galilee; 
There,  in  resurrection  glory, 

Longing  sore  His  face  to  see. 

Now  the  world  with  light  rejoices, 
Cloudless  beams  the  Easter  sun, 

Saints  lift  up  exultant  voices, 
They  have  seen  th'  Anointed  One. 

Seen  by  them,  His  body,  wounded, 

Shines  as  with  celestial  light, 
Christ,  with  witnesses  surrounded, 

Stands  confessed,  the  Lord  of  might. 

Christ,  Thou  King,  most  gracious  ever, 
Claim  these  restless  hearts  of  ours, 

That  with  rapture  ending  never, 
We  may  justly  praise  Thy  powers! 


AUGUSTINE 

It  is  probable  that  Augustine  wrote  no  hymns.  The  hymns 
which  are  called  Augustinian  are  associated  with  his  name 
because  they  are  based  upon  some  of  his  sayings  and  were 
formerly  supposed  to  have  been  of  his  composition.  He  was 
born  at  Tagasta,  in  Numidia,  November  13,  354  A.D.  In 
his  youth  he  was  profligate,  but  was  the  object  of  most 
devoted  prayer  on  the  part  of  his  mother,  Monica.  In  386 
he  came  under  the  spell  of  the  eloquent  Ambrose  at  Milan, 
was  converted,  and  became  bishop  of  Hippo  in  Africa,  in 
396.  He  is  the  most  famous  of  all  the  Latin  fathers  and 
the  most  influential.  He  was  called  "  the  Numidian  Lion." 
Tradition  connects  the  "  Te  Deum  "  with  him  and  Ambrose, 
as  having  been  spontaneously  uttered  in  responsive  verses 
by  them  at  the  baptism  of  Augustine. 

Of  the  works  of  Augustine,  says  Professor  March,  "  '  The 
Confessions  ' —  his  autobiography,  —  is  most  read ;  '  The 
City  of  God  '  most  praised."  His  power  is  felt  to  this  day 
in  theology,  his  hand  is  seen  in  the  shaping  of  creeds  and 
systems  in  every  century  since  his  own.  He  died  August 
28,  430. 


49 


50  AUGUSTINIANI 


AUGUSTINIANI 

I 
DE  GAUDIIS  PARADISI 

Ad  perennis  vitae  fontem  mens  sitivit  arida; 
Claustra  carnis  praesto  frangi  clausa  quaerit  anima. 
Gliscit,  ambit,  eluctatur  exul  frui  patria. 

Dum  pressuris  ac  aerumnis  se  gemit  obnoxiam, 
Quam  amisit,  dum  deliquit,  contemplatur  gloriam, 
Praesens  malum  auget  boni  perditi  memoriam. 

Nam  quis  promat  summae  pads  quanta  sit  laetitia, 
Ubi  vivis  margaritis  surgunt  aedificia, 
Auro  celsa  micant  tecta,  radiant  triclinia? 


AUGUSTINIAN  51 


AUGUSTINIAN 

I 

OF  THE  JOYS  OF  PARADISE 

For  the  fount  of  life  immortal 
Oft  hath  longed  my  thirsty  soul; 

Now  this  body's  sealed  portal 
Open  wide  my  heart  would  roll; 

For  it  strives  and  yearns,  an  exile, 
To  enjoy  its  destined  goal. 

While  it  grieves,  itself  regarding, 
Unto  cares  and  woes  a  prey, 

And  beholds  what  priceless  glory 
It  through  sin  hath  cast  away, 

Present  evil  aids  remembrance 
Of  the  good  now  lost  for  aye. 

Who  can  tell  how  great  the  gladness 
Of  the  perfect  peace  must  be, 

Where  of  living  pearls  the  temples 
Rise  in  wondrous  symmetry, 

Where  on  high  the  roof  gleams  golden 
And  the  feast  is  fair  to  see? 


52  AUGUSTINIANI 

Solis  gemmis  pwtiosis  haec  structura  nectitur; 
Aura  mundo,  tanquam  vitro,  urbis  via  sternitur; 
Abest  limus,  deest  fimus,  lues  nulla  cernitur. 

Hiems  horrens,  aestas  torrens  illic  nunquam  saeviunt; 
Flos  perpetuus  rosarum  ver  agit  perpetuum; 
Candent  lilia,  rubescit  crocus,  sudat  balsamum. 

Virent  prata,  vernant  sata,  rim  mellis  influunt; 
Pigmentorum  spiral  odor,  liquor  et  aromalum; 
Pendent  poma  floridorum  non  lapsura  nemorum. 

Non  alternal  luna  vices,  sol  vel  cursus  siderum; 
Agnus  esl  felicis  urbis  lumen  inocciduum; 
Nox  et  tempus  desunt  ei,  diem  fert  continuum. 


AUGUSTINIAN  53 

And  this  temple  hath  been  builded 

Out  of  precious  gems  alone; 
With  fine  gold  as  though  with  crystal 

Is  the  city's  highway  strown; 
Mire  and  dirt  and  every  substance 

That  defile th  is  unknown. 

Horrid  winter,  torrid  summer, 

Never  rage  in  that  blest  place; 
Bloom  perpetual  of  roses 

Makes  a  ceaseless  springtime  grace; 
Lilies  gleam,  distills  the  balsam, 

Glows  the  blushing  crocus'  face. 

Fields  are  green  with  harvests  teeming, 
There  the  gentle  streamlets  flow; 

Waters  are  with  fragrance  laden, 
All  the  airs  bright  colors  show; 

Fruits  of  flowery  groves  are  hanging, 
Fruits  that  no  decay  shall  know. 

There  the  moon  no  change  observeth, 
Sun  by  day,  nor  stars  by  night; 

For  the  Lamb,  of  that  blest  city, 
Is  the  never-failing  light; 

Night  and  time  to  it  are  wanting, 
There  the  endless  day  beams  bright. 


54  AUGUSTINIANI 

Nam  et  sancti  quique  velut  sol  praeclarus  rutilant; 
Post  triumphum  coronati  mutuo  coniubilant, 
Et  prostrati  pugnas  hostis  iam  securi  numerant. 

Omni  lobe  defaecati  carnis  bella  nesciunt, 
Caro  facto,  spiritalis  et  mens  unum  sentiunt; 
Pace  multa  perfruentes  scandalum  non  perferunt. 

Mutabilibus  exuti  repetunt  originem, 

Et  praesentem  veritatis  contemplantur  speciem, 

Hinc  vitalem  vivi  fontis  hauriunt  dulcedinem. 

Inde  statum  semper  idem  existendi  capiunt; 
Clari,  vividi,  iucundi  nullis  patent  casibus: 
Absunt  morbi  semper  sanis,  senectus  iuvenibus. 


AUGUSTINIAN  55 

For  the  saints  are  robed  in  glory, 

Each  one  radiant  as  the  sun; 
After  triumph,  crowned  victorious 

All  together  joy  as  one; 
Now  secure,  they  count  the  battles 

Over  vanquished  foemen  won. 

There  they  know  no  wars  nor  fighting, 
From  all  carnal  stains  made  free; 

Flesh  and  mind  of  spirit  rendered, 
In  one  thought  they  all  agree; 

Peace  abundant  still  enjoying, 
There  they  no  temptation  see. 

Stripped  of  everything  that  changes, 

Their  Original  they  trace, 
And  of  Truth,  the  everlasting, 

See  the  ever-present  face; 
Thence  as  from  a  living  fountain 

Drink  they  sweetness,  life  and  grace. 

Thence  they  gain  that  blest  existence 

Which  unchangingly  remains; 
They  all  pure  and  bright  and  joyous, 

Never  meet  with  griefs  nor  pains; 
To  their  health  disease  is  wanting, 

Age  o'er  youth  no  victory  gains. 


56  AUGUSTINIANI 

Hinc  perenne  tenent  esse,  nam  transire  transiit; 
Inde  virent,  vigent,  florent:  corruptela  corruitj 
Immortalitatis  vigor  mortis  ius  absorbuit. 

Qui  Scientem  cuncta  sciunt,  quid  nescire  nequeunt? 
Nam  et  pectoris  arcana  penetrant  alterutrum; 
Unum  voluntj  unum  nolunt,  unitas  est  mentium. 

Licet  cuiquam  sit  diversum  pro  labore  meritwn, 
Caritas  hoc  jacit  suum,  quod,  dum  amat  alterum, 
Proprium  sic  singulorum  fit  commune  omnium. 

Ubi  corpus  illic  iure  congregantur  aquilae; 
Quo  cum  angelis  et  sanctae  recreantur  animae, 
Uno  pane  vivunt  cives  utriusque  patriae. 


AUGUSTINIAN  57 

Hence  they  hold  a  life  perennial, 

For  to  pass  hath  passed  away; 
Hence  they  grow  and  bloom  and  flourish; 

Death  is  dead  and  turned  to  clay: 
Strength  immortal  hath  been  able 

Death's  dread  law  itself  to  slay. 

They  who  know  the  One  all-knowing, 
What  can  such  as  they  not  know? 

To  the  heart's  profoundest  secrets 
Of  each  other  shall  they  go; 

One  their  will,  one  their  refusal, 
Unity  of  minds  they  show. 

Though  to  each  one  for  his  labor 

Diverse  merit  we  may  see, 
Love,  when  it  hath  found  its  object, 

For  its  own  makes  this  sweet  plea: 
That,  whate'er  to  each  belongeth 

Common  right  of  all  must  be. 

Where  the  carcass  may  be  lying 
There  will  flock  the  birds  of  prey; 

And  where  saintly  souls,  with  angels, 
Find  refreshment,  e'en  as  they, 

On  one  bread  live  they  of  this  land 
And  of  that  land  far  away. 


58  AUGUSTINIANI 

Novas  semper  melodias  vox  meloda  concrepat, 
Et  in  iubilum  prolata  mulcent  aures  organa, 
Digna  per  quern  sunt  victores  regi  dant  praeconia. 

Christe,  palma  bellatorum,  hoc  in  municipium 
Introduc  me  post  solutum  militare  cingulum; 
Fac  consortem  donativi  beatorum  civium! 

Probes  vires  inexhausto  laboranti  proelio, 
Nee  quietem  post  procinctum  deneges  emerito, 
Teque  merear  potiri  sine  fine  praemio! 


AUGUSTINIAN 

There  new  songs  melodious  voices 

Evermore  in  chorus  raise, 
Organs  there  in  jubilation 

Soothe  the  ear  with  tuneful  lays, 
To  the  King  by  whom  they  triumph 

Give  they  worthy  meed  of  praise. 

Christ  who  art  Thyself  the  palm-branch 
Of  Thy  soldiers  brave  and  tried, 

Bring  me  into  that  strong  city 
When  my  sword  is  laid  aside, 

To  a  share  in  all  Thy  glory, 

'Mid  the  blest,  my  footsteps  guide! 

Prove  the  strength  of  each  one  struggling 

In  the  battle  not  yet  won, 
Nor  refuse  to  all  Thy  warriors 

Well-earned  rest  when  strife  is  done, 
Thee  to  win  may  I  be  worthy, 

My  Reward  while  ages  run. 


60  AUGUSTINIANI 

II 

ANTIDOTUM  CONTRA  TYRANNIDEM  PECCATI 
Quid,  tyranne!  quid  minaris? 
Quid  usquam  poenarum  est, 
Quidquid  tandem  machinaris: 
Hoc  amanti  parum  est. 
Dulce  mihi  cruciari, 

Parva  vis  doloris  est: 
"Malo  mori  quam  foedari!" 
Maior  vis  amoris  est. 

Para  rogos,  quamvis  truces, 
Et  quiquid  flagrorum  est; 
Adde  ferrum,  adde  cruces; 
Nil  adhuc  amanti  est. 
Dulce  mihi  cruciari, 

Parva  vis  doloris  est: 
"Malo  mori  quam  foedari!" 
Maior  vis  amoris  est. 

Nimis  blandus  dolor  ille! 

Una  mors,  quam  brevis  est! 
Cruciatus  amo  mille, 
Omnis  poena  levis  est. 
Dulce  mihi  sauciari, 

Parva  vis  doloris  est: 
"Malo  mori  quam  foedari!" 
Maior  vis  amoris  est. 


AUGUSTINIAN  61 

II 

A  CURE  FOR  THE  TYRANNY  OF  SIN 

What,  0  tyrant!    What  dost  threaten? 

What  thou  hast  of  pain, 
Whatsoever  thou  contrivest; 
Love  counts  this  but  vain. 

Sweet  it  is  for  me  to  suffer, 
Short  is  pain's  brief  hour: 
"  Than  disgrace,  to  die  is  nobler!  " 
Love  hath  greatest  power. 

Bring  thy  funeral  piles  so  cruel, 

Scourges,  if  it  please; 
Bring  the  sword  and  bitter  crosses; 
Love  recks  naught  of  these. 

Sweet  it  is  for  me  to  suffer, 
Short  is  pain's  brief  hour: 
'  Than  disgrace,  to  die  is  nobler!  " 
Love  hath  greatest  power. 

Nay,  too  gentle  is  that  suffering! 

Once  to  die,  how  slight! 
Still  I  love,  through  countless  tortures, 
Every  pain  is  light. 

Sweet  it  is  to  be  afflicted 

Short  is  pain's  brief  hour: 
"Than  disgrace,  to  die  is  nobler! " 
Love  hath  greatest  power. 


PRUDENTIUS 

Aurelius  Prudentius  Clemens  was  born  in  the  year  348, 
probably  at  Calahorra,  near  Saragossa,  in  Spain.  He  seems 
to  have  been  of  good  family  and  to  have  received  a  liberal 
education.  Few  names  have  been  the  subject  of  more 
numerous  conjectures  than  his,  and  few  present  fewer 
details  that  can  be  assuredly  received  as  authentic.  In  his 
youth  rhetoric  was  one  of  his  pursuits,  and  his  life  at  the 
age  of  twenty  seems  to  have  been  a  profligate  one. 

He  was  called  to  the  bar  and  became  a  judge  in  two  cities, 
possibly  Toledo  and  Cordova.  It  was  not  until  late  in  life 
that  he  embraced  the  pursuit  of  literature.  At  fifty-seven 
he  gave  himself  to  the  serious  and  sacred  calling  of  a  Chris- 
tian, and  from  that  time  lived  in  retirement  and  devoted 
himself  to  the  service  of  God.  He  has  been  called  "  the 
Horace  and  Virgil  of  the  Christians";  "  Poeta  eximius  — 
eruditissimus  et  sanctissimus  scrip  tor";  "The  first  Christian 
poet."  These  praises  are  doubtless  too  high  for  his  deserv- 
ing. He  died  some  time  between  410  and  424  A.D.,  but  at 
what  place  in  Spain  is  uncertain. 


64  PRUDENTIUS 


I 

DE  NATIVITATE  DOMINI 

Da,  puer,  plectrum,  chords 
Ut  canam  fidelibus 
Dulce  carmen  et  melodum, 
Gesta  Christi  insignia. 
Hunc  camena  nostra  solum 
Pangat,  hunc  laudet  lyra. 

Corde  natus  ex  pareniis 
Ante  mundi  exordium, 
A  et  H  cognominatus, 
Ipse  fons  et  clausula 
Omnium,  quae  sunt,  fuerunt, 
Quaeque  post  futura  sunt, 

Corporis  formam  caduci, 
Membra  morti  obnoxia 
Induit,  ne  gens  periret 
Protoplasti  ex  germine, 
Merserat  quern  lex  profundo 
Noxialis  Tartar o. 


MADONNA    DELLA    SEDIA 


Raphael 


or  THE 
{  UNIVERSITY  ) 


PRUDENTIUS  65 


I 

THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LORD 

Come,  give  me,  child,  the  tuneful  lute, 
That  I,  in  faithful  verse,  may  sound,  — 

A  song  both  sweet  and  musical,  — 
The  mighty  deeds  of  Christ  renowned. 

Of  Him  alone  our  muse  shall  sing, 
Our  lyre  His  praise  alone  resound. 

Begotten  of  the  Father's  breast, 
Before  the  world  began  to  be, 

The  Alpha  and  Omega  named, 
Beginning  and  the  ending  He, 

Of  all  the  things  that  are  and  were, 
And  all  that  future  time  shall  see, 

He  took  the  form  of  fallen  flesh, 
Its  members  subject  to  decay, 

Lest  that  fair  race  which  once  had  sprung 
From  primal  seed,  should  pass  away, 

Which  race,  into  the  depths  of  hell 
The  law  had  plunged  with  baleful  sway. 


66  PRUDENTIUS 

0  beatus  ortus  ille, 
Virgo  cum  puerpera 
Edidit  nostram  salutem 
Foeta  Sancto  Spiritu, 
Et  puer,  redemptor  orbis, 
Os  sacratum  protulit. 

Psallat  altitudo  coeli; 
Psallat  omnis  angelus; 
Quidquid  est  virtutis  usquam 
Psallat  in  laudem  Dei: 
Nulla  linguarum  silescat, 
Vox  et  omnis  consonet. 

Ecce!  quern  rates  vetustis 
Concinebant  seculis; 
Quern  prophetarum  fideles 
Paginae  spoponderant, 
Emicat  promissus  olim: 
Cuncta  collaudent  eum! 

Te  senes  et  te  iuventus, 
Parvulorum  te  chorus, 
Turba  matrum  virginumque, 
Simplices  puellulae 
Voce  Concordes  pudicis 
Perstrepant  concentibus. 


PRUDENTIUS  67 

0  blest  was  that  nativity, 

When  bringing  forth  her  first-born  Child 
The  Virgin  our  Salvation  bore 

Conceived  by  Spirit  undefiled, 
And  He,  Child-Saviour  of  the  world, 

Lift  up  His  holy  face  and  smiled. 

Then  sing  the  utmost  height  of  heaven; 

Let  all  the  holy  angels  sing; 
And  every  power  where'er  it  be 

God's  praises  let  it  gladly  bring; 
Nor  mute  let  any  tongue  remain, 

Together  let  all  voices  ring. 

Behold!  the  One  whom  holy  seers 
Were  wont  to  sing  in  days  of  old; 

And  whom  the  faithful  page,  inscribed 
By  prophets'  hand,  had  long  foretold, 

He  shineth  forth  the  promised  One; 
Let  Him  by  all  things  be  extolled! 

Thee  let  old  age  and  Thee  let  youth, 
And  Thee  let  praise  the  children's  choir, 

Let  matrons'  and  the  virgins'  throng, 
Let  simple  maids  in  voice  conspire 

With  one  accord  in  modest  lays 
To  make  resound  Thy  praises  higher. 


68  PRUDENTIUS 

Fluminum  lapsus  et  unda, 
Littorum  crepidines, 
Imber,  aestus,  nix,  pruina, 
Aura,  silva,  nox,  dies 
Omnibus  te  concelebrant 
Saeculorum  saeculis! 


PRUDENTIUS  69 

Let  rushing  floods  and  swelling  waves, 
And  frowning  cliffs  that  skirt  the  shore, 

Let  storm  and  sunshine,  frost  and  snow, 
And  winds  that  through  the  forests  roar, 

And  night  and  day  Thy  praises  tell 
Throughout  all  ages  evermore. 


70  PRUDENTIUS 


II 

IN   EXSEQUIIS 

7am  moesta  quiesce  querela, 
Lacrymas  suspendite,  matres! 
Nullus  sua  pignora  plangat: 
Mors  haec  reparatio  vitae  est. 

Quidnam  sibi  saxa  cavata, 
Quid  pulchra  volunt  monumenta? 
Res  quod  nisi  creditur  illis 
Non  mortua,  sed  data  somno. 

Nam  quod  requiescere  corpus 
Vacuum  sine  mente  videmus, 
SpatiiLm  breve  restat,  ut  alii 
Repetat  collegia  sensus. 

Venient  cito  saecula,  quum  iam 
Socius  color  ossa  revisat, 
Animataque  sanguine  vivo 
Habitacula  pristina  gestet. 


PRUDENTIUS  71 


II 

AT  FUNERALS 

Now,  0  bitter  grief  be  silent, 
Tears,  ye  mothers,  banish  hence! 

Let  no  man  lament  his  children: 
This  is  death,  —  life's  recompense. 

For  what  mean  these  rocky  caverns, 
What  these  monuments  so  fair? 

Save  that  this  unto  them  trusted 
Is  not  dead  but  sleeping  there. 

For  that  body  we  see  resting, 

Vacant  and  devoid  of  mind, 
Only  for  a  brief  space  waiteth, 

Better  powers  restored  to  find. 

Swift  will  pass  the  coming  ages, 

Friendly  warmth  these  bones  shall  know 
And  these  former  habitations, 

Animate  with  life-blood,  glow. 


*TTB  R  A  fly 

**   OF  THf 

{   UNIVERSITY  J 

OF 


72  PRUDENTIUS 

Quae  pigra  cadavera  pridem 
Tumulis  putrefacta  iacebant, 
Volucres  rapientur  in  auras, 
Animas  comitata  priores. 

Sic  semina  sicca  virescunt 
lam  mortua  iamque  sepulta, 
Quae  reddita  cespite  ab  imo 
Veteres  meditantur  aristas. 

Nunc  suscipe,  terra,  fovendwn, 
Gremioque  hunc  concipe  molli! 
Hominis  tibi  membra  sequestra, 
Generosa  et  fragmina  credo. 

Animae  fuit  haec  domus  olim 
Factoris  ab  ore  creatae; 
Fervens  habitavit  in  istis 
Sapientia  principe  Christo. 

Tu  depositum  tege  corpus! 
Non  immemor  ille  requiret 
Sua  munera  fictor  et  auctor 
Propriique  aenigmata  vultus. 

Veniant  modo  tempora  iusta, 
Quum  spem  Deus  impleat  omnem; 
Reddas  patefacta  necesse  est, 
Qualem  tibi  trado  figuram. 


PRUDENTIUS  73 

Then  these  bodies  dull  and  moldering, 

Sleeping  in  the  graves  before, 
Shall  be  borne  on  airy  pinions, 

Joined  unto  their  souls  of  yore. 

Thus  the  seeds  though  dried  and  shriveled, 

Dead  and  buried,  wake  again, 
And  from  'neath  the  sod  returning 

Think  of  former  waving  grain. 

Now,  0  earth,  receive,  to  cherish, 

In  thy  tender  heart  this  dust! 
Man's  frail  form  to  thee  I  render, 

And  his  goodly  ashes  trust. 

This  was  once  a  spirit's  dwelling, 
Fashioned  by  the  breath  of  God; 

Here  from  Christ,  the  mighty  Leader, 
Ardent  wisdom  once  abode. 

Shelter  Thou  this  body  laid  here! 

Not  unmindful,  He  shall  trace 
His  own  works  who  formed  and  framed  them, 

Likenesses  of  His  own  face. 

Soon  shall  come  the  times  of  justice, 
When  shall  God  each  hope  transcend; 

And  laid  open  thou  must  render 
Back  this  form  I  to  thee  lend. 


74  PRUDENTIUS 


III 

DE  SANCTIS  INNOCENTIBUS 

Salvete,  flores  martyrum! 
In  lucis  ipso  limine 
Quos  saevus  ensis  messuit, 
Ceu  turbo  nascentes  rosas. 

Vos,  prima  Christi  victima, 
Grex  immolatorum  tener, 
Aram  sub  ipsam  simplices 
Palma  et  coronis  luditis. 

Quid  proficit  tantum  nefas; 
Quid  crimen  Herodcm  iuvat? 
Unus  tot  inter  funera 
Impune  Christus  tollitur. 

Cunae  redundant  sanguine; 
Sed  in  Deum  frustra  furit: 
Unum  petit  tot  mortibus, 
Mortes  tot  unus  effugit. 


MADONNA    DELLA    TENOA 


Raphael 


PRUDENTIUS  75 


III 

OF  THE  HOLY  INNOCENTS 

Hail,  ye  blossoms  of  the  martyrs! 

At  the  threshold  of  the  light, 
Whom  the  cruel  sword  hath  gathered, 

As  the  rosebuds  whirlwinds  blight. 

Ye,  of  Christ  the  earliest  victims, 
Tender  flock  so  soon  cut  down, 

Simple,  'neath  the  very  altar 
Sport  ye  now  with  palm  and  crown. 

What  avails  so  great  a  horror; 

What  doth  profit  Herod's  act? 
'Mid  so  many  trains  funereal 

Christ  is  borne  away  intact. 

Reek  with  gore  full  many  cradles; 

Vain  his  rage  against  the  Lord; 
One  he  seeks  by  many  slaughters, 

One  escapes  from  every  sword. 


76  PRUDENTIUS 

Inter  coaevi  sanguinis 
Fluenta  solus  integer, 
Ferrum,  quod  orbabat  nurus, 
Partus  fefellit  Virginis. 

Sic  dim  Pharaonis  mali 
Edicta  quondam  fugcrat, 
Christi  figuram  praeferens, 
Moses,  receptor  civium. 

Matres,  quaerelis  parcite! 
Quid  rapta  fletis  pignora? 
Agnum,  salutis  obsidem, 
Denso  sequuntur  agmine. 


PRUDENTIUS  77 

'Mid  the  streams  of  infant  bloodshed 

He  alone  the  sword  deceived, 
Offspring  scathless,  of  the  Virgin, 

Sword  which  mothers'  hearts  bereaved. 

Thus  the  people's  liberator, 

He  who  Christ's  own  image  bore, 

Evil  Pharaoh's  cruel  edicts 
Moses  had  escaped  before. 

Spare,  0  mothers,  your  complaining! 

Why  bewail  your  offspring  lost? 
They  the  Lamb,  salvation's  surety, 

Follow  in  a  thronging  host. 


FORTUNATUS 

Venantius  Honorius  Clementianus  Fortunatus  was  of  Ital- 
ian birth,  from  Treviso,  not  far  from  Venice.  Born  about 
the  year  531,  he  came  into  France  at  the  age  of  thirty-five 
or  thirty-six.  His  life  spanned  the  period  at  which  the 
papacy  was  taking  shape  in  the  West  and  Mohammedanism 
was  emerging  in  the  East.  He  was  a  friend  of  Gregory  of 
Tours,  to  whom  he  wrote  many  letters.  He  seems  to  have 
combined  the  characters  of  troubadour  and  courtier;  and 
he  has  left  many  panegyrics  and  other  fulsome  writings 
composed  in  a  style  that  has  little  to  commend  it.  The 
greater  part  of  his  life  was  passed  at  Poictiers,  where  he  se- 
cured ecclesiastical  preferment.  He  was  consecrated  bishop 
of  Poictiers  about  the  year  595.  He  was  the  intimate  friend 
of  the  Abbess  Agnes  and  of  Queen  Radegunda;  and  his 
friendship  for  these  women  has  not  escaped  criticism.  "  He 
was,"  says  Duffield,"  the  first  of  the  Christian  poets  to  begin 
that  worship  of  the  Virgin  Mary  which  rose  to  a  passion  and 
sank  to  an  idolatry."  He  died  about  the  year  609,  leaving 
many  hymns  of  rare  beauty  and  excellence. 


79 


80  FORTUNATUS 


FORTUNATUS 
DE  PASSIONE  CHRISTI 

Vexilla  regis  prodeunt, 
Fulget  crucis  mysterium, 
Quo  carne  carnis  conditor 
Suspensus  est  patibulo. 

Qui  vulneratus  insuper 
Mucrone  diro  lanceae, 
Ut  nos  lavaret  crimine 
Manavit  undo,  et  sanguine. 

Impleta  sunt,  quae  concinit 
David  fideli  carmine, 
Dicens:  In  nationibus 
Regnabit  a  ligno  Deus! 

Arbor  decora  et  fulgida, 
Ornata  regis  purpura, 
Electa  digno  stipite 
Tarn  sancta  membra  tangere! 


FORTUNATUS  81 


FORTUNATUS 
OF  THE  PASSION  OF  CHRIST 

Lo,  the  banners  of  the  King  are  moving  on, 
And  the  cross,  that  mystic  emblem,  is  aglow, 

Where  in  flesh,  the  mighty  Maker  of  our  flesh, 
Hath  been  hanged  upon  the  tree  of  bitter  woe. 

Who,  beside  the  pangs  of  that  dread  agony, 

By  the  cruel  thrust  of  spear-point  wounded  sore, 

That  He  might  from  sin  make  us  forever  clean, 
Mingled  streams  of  blood  and  water  forth  did  pour. 

Now  fulfilled  are  all  the  prophecies  of  old 
Which  in  faithful  song  by  David  were  rehearsed, 

Saying:  Over  all  the  heathen  God  is  King, 
And  His  throne  shall  be  the  awful  tree  accursed! 

0  illustrious  and  ever-glorious  tree, 

All  adorned  with  crimson  life-blood  of  the  King; 
Thou  art  chosen  from  a  stock  of  precious  worth, 

Thus  to  yonder  sacred  limbs  thy  touch  to  bring! 


82  FORTUNATU8 

Beata,  cuius  bracMis 
Pretium  pependit  seculi; 
Statera  facta  corporis 
Praedamque  tulit  Tartari. 

Salve  ara,  salve  victima, 
De  passionis  gloria: 
Qua  vita  mortem  pertnlit, 
Et  morte  vitam  reddidit! 


FORTUNATUS  83 

Blessed  tree,  upon  whose  branches  spreading  wide 
He  the  ransom  of  this  ruined  world  hath  weighed; 

And  the  spoils  of  hell  forever  borne  away, 
When  the  payment  of  His  body  hath  been  made, 

Then  all  hail,  thou  altar!    Hail,  thou  Sacrifice! 

For  the  glory  of  the  passion  in  Thee  wrought: 
Where  our  Life  hath  been  victorious  over  death, 

Aye,  and  back  to  us  our  life  from  death  hath 
brought! 


82  FORTUNATUS 

Beata,  cuius  brachiis 
Pretium  pependit  seculi; 
Statera  facta  corporis 
Praedamque  tulit  Tartari. 

Salve  am,  salve  victima, 
De  passionis  gloria: 
Qua  vita  mortem  pertulit, 
Et  morte  vitam  reddidit! 


FORTUNATUS  83 

Blessed  tree,  upon  whose  branches  spreading  wide 
He  the  ransom  of  this  ruined  world  hath  weighed; 

And  the  spoils  of  hell  forever  borne  away, 
When  the  payment  of  His  body  hath  been  made, 

Then  all  hail,  t.hou  altar!    Hail,  thou  Sacrifice! 

For  the  glory  of  the  passion  in  Thee  wrought: 
Where  our  Life  hath  been  victorious  over  death, 

Aye,  and  back  to  us  our  life  from  death  hath 
brought ! 


BEDA  VENERABILIS 

The  Venerable  Bede  was  born  near  Wearmouth,  England, 
about  the  year  677.  He  lived  the  life  of  a  student,  and 
seems  to  have  loved  learning  for  its  own  sake.  At  seven 
years  of  age  he  came  under  the  instruction  of  the  Abbot 
Benedict,  and  from  that  time  on  he  lived  and  studied  at  the 
monastery  of  what  is  now  Durham  Cathedral.  His  life 
was  devoid  of  stirring  incidents,  his  talents  were  various, 
his  attainments  of  the  highest  order.  He  excelled  in  litera- 
ture, history,  philosophy  and  poetry.  At  nineteen  years 
of  age  he  was  ordained  a  deacon,  at  thirty  a  priest,  and  died 
at  fifty-nine.  He  was  learned  in  Greek,  and  it  is  said  that 
many  in  England  spoke  in  that  tongue  through  his  encour- 
agement. At  Jarrow,  near  Wearmouth,  he  taught  a  school 
of  six  hundred  monks,  beside  many  strangers  who  came 
to  him  for  instruction.  His  name  presents,  in  the  words 
of  Green,  the  historian,  "  The  quiet  grandeur  of  a  life 
consecrated  to  knowledge." 


85 


86  BEDA 


BEDA  VENERABILIS 
DE  NATALI  INNOCENTIUM 

Hymnum  canentes  martyrum 
Dicamus  innocentium, 
Quos  terra  flentes  perdidit, 
Gaudens  sed  aethra  suscipit. 
Vultum  patris  per  saecula 
Quorum  tuentur  angeli, 
Eiusque  laudant  gratiam, 
Hymnum  canentes  martyrum. 

Quos  rex  peremit  impius, 
Pius  sed  auctor  colligit, 
Secum  beatos  collocans, 
In  luce  regni  perpetis. 
Qui  mansiones  singulis 
Largitus  in  domo  patris, 
Donat  supernis  sedibus 
Quos  rex  peremit  impius. 


MADONNA 


Gabriel  Ma.v 


BEDE  87 


THE  VENERABLE  BEDE 
THE  BIRTHDAY  OF  THE  INNOCENTS 

A  hymn  of  martyred  innocents 

Sing  we  with  heart  and  voice, 
Whom  earth  hath  lost  and  heaven  gained, 

Who  wept  but  now  rejoice. 
Whose  guardian  angels  evermore 

Behold  the  Father's  face, 
They  sing  the  blessed  martyrs'  hymn 

And  praise  God's  wondrous  grace. 

The  king  with  impious  hand  destroyed, 

But  Christ  with  tender  love 
Hath  placed  them  at  His  own  right  hand, 

On  His  bright  throne  above. 
And  He  who  in  the  Father's  house 

Gives  mansions  for  the  blest, 
To  these  the  impious  king  destroyed 

Gives  everlasting  rest. 


88  BEDA 

Vox  in  Rama  percrebuit, 
Lamenta  Indus  maximi, 
Rachel  suos  cum  lacrymis 
Perfusa  flevit  filios. 
Gaudent  triumpho  perpeti 
Tormenta  quique  vicerant, 
Quorum  gemens  ob  verbera 
Vox  in  Rama  percrebuit. 

Ne,  grex  pusille,  formides 
Denies  leonis  perfidos, 
Pastor  bonus  nam  pascua 
Vobis  dabil  coeleslia. 
Agnum  Dei  qui  candidum 
Mundo  sequeris  tramite, 
Manus  lalronis  impias 
Ne,  grex  pusille,  formides. 

Abslerget  omnem  lacrymam, 
Veslris  paler  de  vultibus, 
Mors  vobis  ultra  non  nocet, 
Vilae  receptis  moenibus. 
Qui  seminent  in  lacrymis 
Longo  metent  in  gaudio, 
Genis  lugenlum  condilor 
Absterget  omnem  lacrymam. 


BEDE 

A  voice  in  Rama  there  was  heard 

Of  all-surpassing  woe, 
When  Rachel  for  her  children  wept 

With  sorrow's  overflow. 
They  joy  with  ceaseless  triumph  now 

Who  bitter  woes  have  known 
Whose  voice  in  Rama  once  was  heard 

With  deep,  lamenting  groan. 

Fear  not  the  treacherous  lion's  teeth, 

Thou  little  flock  and  few, 
For  your  good  Shepherd  soon  will  give 

The  fields  of  heaven  to  you. 
0  ye,  the  snow-white  Lamb  of  God 

Who  faithfully  pursue, 
Fear  not  the  robbers  on  your  way, 

O  little  flock  and  few. 

From  every  face  the  Father's  hand 

Shall  wipe  all  tears  away, 
Nor  death  within  the  gates  of  life 

Shall  work  you  harm  for  aye. 
For  they  who  sow  in  bitter  tears, 

In  lasting  joy  shall  reap. 
And  God  Himself  shall  dry  all  tears 

From  face  of  them  that  weep. 


90  BEDA 


0!  quam  beata  civitas 
In  qua  redemptor  venitur, 
Natoque  primae  martyrum 
In  qua  dicantur  hostiae. 
Nunquam  vocaris  parvula 
In  civitatum  millibus, 
Ex  qua  novus  dux  ortus  estt 
0!  quam  beata  civitas! 

Adstant  nitentes  fulgidis 
Eius  throno  nunc  vestibus, 
Stolas  suas  qui  laverant 
Agni  rubentes  sanguine. 
Qui  perpetis  pro  patriae 
Regno  gementes  fleverant, 
Laeti  Deo  cum  laudibus 
Adstant  nitentes  fulgidis. 


BEDE  91 

0  city,  thou  art  blest  indeed! 

In  which  the  Saviour  came, 
And  in  which,  from  the  Son  of  Man, 

First  martyrs  have  their  name, 
'Mid  thousands  of  the  cities  thou 

As  least  art  ne'er  addressed, 
From  whom  a  Leader  new  is  sprung; 

0  city,  thou  art  blest! 

Around  His  throne  in  robes  of  white 

A  shining  band  is  seen, 
Who  in  the  Lamb's  most  precious  blood 

Have  washed  their  vesture  clean. 
And  they  who  wept  with  ceaseless  groans 

For  God's  dear  Fatherland, 
Rejoicing  now  with  praises  bright 

Before  Him  shining  stand. 


NOTKERUS    VETUSTIOR 

Notker  the  Elder,  called  also  Balbulus  the  Stammerer, 
was  born  about  the  year  850.  He  entered  the  monastery 
of  St.  Gall  in  Switzerland  at  an  early  age.  There  he  culti- 
vated the  study  of  music,  in  which  he  excelled.  He  died 
in  the  year  912.  He  introduced  the  Sequence,  after  the 
Epistle  in  the  service,  to  take  the  place  of  the  prolonged 
final  syllable  of  the  Alleluia.  The  words  of  the  Burial 
Office,  "  In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death,"  are  a  trans- 
lation of  one  of  his  sequences.  The  tradition  is  that  he  was 
watching  some  workmen  one  day  as  they  were  engaged  in 
the  construction  of  a  bridge  over  a  chasm  near  the  monastery. 
One  of  the  workmen  fell  and  was  killed.  The  meditation  of 
Notker  upon  the  event  took  the  form  expressed  in  the  words 
which  seem  to  have  been  intended  to  convey  the  idea  of  the 
peril  in  which  all  mankind  are  constantly  living:  Media 
vita  in  morte  sumus.  It  is,  properly  speaking,  a  prose  com- 
position, although  it  readily  lends  itself  to  verse  in  the 
translation. 


94  NOTKERUS 

NOTKERUS  VETUSTIOR 

I 

ANTIPHONA  IN  MORTE 

Media  vita 

In  morte  sumus; 

Quern  querimus  adiutorem, 

Nisi  te,  Domine, 

Qui  pro  peccatis  nostris 

luste  irasceris! 

Sancte  Deus,  sancte  fortis, 

Sancte  et  misericors  Salvator, 

Amarae  morti 

Ne  tradas  nos' 

II 

ANTIPHONA:  GLORIA  IN  EXCELSIS 

Grates  nunc  omnes  reddamus  Domino  Deo, 
Qui  sua  nativitate  nos  liber avit 
De  diabolica  potestate. 

Hide  opportet,  ut  canamus  cum  angelis  semper: 

Gloria  in  excelsis. 


NOTKER  95 

NOTKER  THE  ELDER 

I 

ANTIPHON  OF  DEATH 

In  midst  of  life 

In  death  are  we; 

Whom  shall  we  seek  for  aid, 

Except,  0  Lord, 

We  call  on  Thee, 

Of  whose  just  wrath 

Our  guilty  souls 

Are  horribly  afraid? 

O  holy  God,  almighty  One, 

Saviour,  true  and  tender, 

To  bitter  sting  of  endless  death 

Do  not  Thou  us  surrender! 

II 

ANTIPHON:  GLORY  IN  THE  HIGHEST 

Now  let  us  all  give  thanks  to  God, 
Who  by  His  birth  hath  set  us  free 

From  Satan's  scepter  and  his  rod. 
'Tis  meet  that  angels  sing  and  we: 
Glory  in  the  highest. 


ROBERTUS,    REX   GALLIAE 

Robert  II,  son  of  Hugh  Capet,  was  born  at  Orleans  in  the 
year  971  and  died  in  1031.  He  succeeded  to  the  throne  of 
France  in  997.  Archbishop  Trench  says,  "  The  loveliest  of  all 
the  hymns  in  the  whole  circle  of  Latin  sacred  poetry  has  a 
king  for  its  author."  "  Sismondi,"  he  continues,  "  brings  him 
very  vividly  before  us  in  all  the  beauty  of  his  character, 
and  also  in  all  his  evident  unfitness,  a  man  of  gentleness  and 
peace,  for  grappling  with  the  men  of  iron  by  whom  he  was 
surrounded."  This  praise  must  be  taken  with  large  allow- 
ance. Robert  was  weak,  to  put  it  mildly.  He  repudiated 
his  first  wife,  on  the  plea  that  she  was  too  old  for  him,  and 
incurred  the  displeasure  of  Pope  Gregory  V  by  marrying  a 
distant  cousin,  Bertha,  whom  he  put  away  and  married  for 
his  third  wife  Constance,  reputed  to  have  been  a  shrew. 
His  natural  son,  Amauri,  was  the  ancestor  of  the  notorious 
Simon  de  Montfort.  His  long  reign  of  thirty-four  years  was 
troubled  above  measure.  He  is  said  to  have  "  supported 
three  hundred  paupers  entirely  and  one  thousand  in  part," 
and  to  have  "  founded  four  monasteries  and  built  seven 
churches."  He  composed  both  music  and  hymns. 


97 


KOUMKTUS,  HKX  (JALUAK 
AD  SANCTUM  SPIRITUM 

Veni,  Sancte  Spiritus, 
Et  emitte  coelitus 
Lucis  tuae  radium. 
Veni,  pater  pauperum, 
Veni,  dator  munerum, 
Veni,  lumen  cordium. 

Consolator  optime, 
Dukis  kospes  animae, 
Duke  refrigerium: 
In  labore  requies, 
In  aestu  temperies, 
In  fletu  solatium. 

0  lux  beatissima, 
Reple  cordis  intima 
Tuorum  fidelium! 
Sine  tuo  numine 
Nihil  est  in  homine, 
Nihil  est  innoxium. 


KOBKKT  99 


ROBERT,  KING  OF  FRANCE 
To  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT 

0  Thou  Holy  Spirit,  come, 

The  radiance  of  Thy  heavenly  light  impart, 
leather  of  MIC  poorest,  conic, 

Giver  of  all  increase,  come, 
Come,  Thou  tho  light  of  every  human  heart. 

O  Thou  consolation  best, 
Sweet  Visitor  and  Solace  of  the  soul; 
In  all  labor  Thou  art  rest, 

In  (he  heat  Thou  shelleresl , 
Our  slay  when  waves  of  sorrow  o'er  us  roll. 

0  most  beatific  light, 

Tin*  inmost  deeps  of  I'ailhful  hearts  fulfill! 
Wanting  Thine  own  presence  bright 
Naught  in  man  dispels  the  night, 

Nor  is  there  aught  that  doth  not  work  him  ill. 


100  ROBERTUS 

Lava  quod  est  sordidurn, 
Riga  quod  est  aridum, 
Sana  quod  est  saucium; 
Flecte  quod  est  rigidum, 
Fove  quod  est  friyidum, 
Rege  quod  est  devium! 

Da  tuis  fidelibus 
In  te  confitentibus 
Sacrum  septenarium; 
Da  virtutis  meritum, 
Da  salutis  exitum, 
Da  perenne  gaudium! 


ROBERT  101 

Do  Thou  cleansing  waters  send, 
And  let  Thy  moisture  on  our  drought  distill; 

What  is  wounded  do  Thou  mend, 

Wills  grown  rigid  do  Thou  bend, 
Let  cold  and  wayward  hearts  obey  Thy  will. 

On  Thy  faithful  ones  bestow 
Thy  sevenfold  gifts,  for  lo,  they  trust  in  Thee; 

Praise  of  virtue  do  Thou  show, 

Safe  departure  may  we  know, 
And  grant  to  us  true  joy  eternally. 


MARBOD; 

Marbod,  bishop  of  Rennes,  was  the  son  of  a  fur  dealer  at 
Angers.  He  was  born  in  1035,  became  bishop  in  1095, 
and  died  1125,  at  St.  Aubin.  He  left  many  versified  legends 
of  saints,  and  among  his  poems  is  one,  "DeGemmis,"  along 
account  of  the  mystical  meanings  attached  by  the  mediaeval 
mind  to  precious  stones.  This  was  a  favorite  poem  in  the 
Middle  Ages.  In  all  Latin  hymnody,  there  is  no  finer 
instance  of  rhyme  than  that  which  is  given  in  the  selection 
which  follows.  It  has  seemed  best,  in  translating,  also  to 
keep  the  metrical  form. 


103 


104  MARBOD 


MARBOD 
ORATIO  AD  DOMINUM 

Deus-homo,  Rex  coelorum, 
Miserere  miserorum; 
Ad  peccandum  proni  sumus, 
Et  ad  humum  redit  humus; 
Tu  ruinam  nostram  fulci 
Pietate  tua  dulci. 
Quid  est  homo,  proles  Adae  ? 
Germen  necis  dignum  clade. 
Quid  est  homo  nisi  vermis, 
Res  infirma,  res  inermis. 
Ne  digneris  hide  irasci, 
Qui  non  potest  mundus  nasci: 
Noli,  Deus,  hunc  damnare, 
Qui  non  potest  non  peccare; 
ludicare  non  est  aequum 
Creaturam,  non  est  tecum: 
Non  est  miser  homo  tanti, 
Ut  respondeat  Tonanti. 
Sicut  umbra,  sicut  fumus, 
Sicut  foenum  facti  sumus: 
Miserere,  Rex  coelorum, 
Miserere  miserorum. 


MARBOD  106 

MARBOD 
A  PRAYER  TO  THE  LORD 

Man  divine,  thou  King  of  heaven, 
Pity  to  the  weak  be  given; 
Prone  are  we  to  constant  sinning, 
Earth  returns  to  earth's  beginning; 
Be  our  stay  in  time  of  danger, 
Thy  sweet  grace  to  us  no  stranger. 
What  is  man,  from  Adam  springing? 
Worthy  death,  and  death's  seed  bringing. 
What  is  man?  an  earthworm  senseless, 
Thing  of  weakness,  thing  defenseless. 
Be  not  angry  with  him  ever 
Who  can  be  born  stainless  never: 
Spare,  0  God,  Thy  wrath  appalling, 
Since  he  cannot  keep  from  falling; 
'Tis  not  just  that  Thou  upbraid  him, 
'Tis  not  worthy  Thee  who  made  him: 
Wretched  man,  of  all  things  weakest, 
May  not  answer  when  Thou  speakest. 
We  like  smoke  are  made,  or  shadow, 
Like  the  grass  upon  the  meadow; 
Pity,  0  Thou  King  of  heaven, 
Pity  to  the  weak  be  given. 


BERNARDUS   CLARAVALLENSIS 

Bernard  of  Clairvaux  was  born  at  Fontaine,  in  Burgundy, 
in  the  year  1091.  At  an  early  age  he  manifested  a  fondness 
for  study,  and  in  time  won  the  reputation  of  the  best  in- 
structed person  of  the  period  in  the  Bible  and  in  patristic 
lore.  As  a  mere  youth  he  entered  the  monastery  of  Citeaux 
in  1113,  and  in  1115  became  the  first  abbot  of  Clairvaux. 
He  founded  the  monastery  of  that  name,  in  a  valley  called 
the  Valley  of  Wormwood,  a  wretched  region,  grown  up  with 
underbrush  and  the  haunt  of  robbers.  To  this  place  he  gave 
the  name  of  "  Clara  Vallis,"  the  Clear  Vale,  and  in  time  made 
the  place  worthy  of  its  new  name.  He  is  described  as  "  taller 
than  the  middle  height  and  exceedingly  thin.  His  com- 
plexion, clear,  transparent,  red  and  white.  His  beard  was 
reddish  and  his  hair  light  or  perhaps  tawny."  "  Struggling 
Christendom,"  says  Vaughan,  "  sent  incessant  monks  and 
priests,  couriers  and  men-at-arms  to  knock  and  blow  horns 
at  the  gate  of  Clairvaux  Abbey."  "  Yet  with  all  his  inter- 
ruptions and  occupations,"  says  Duffield,  "  he  is  a  profound 
scholar.  His  was  that  strange  contradiction  of  nature  which 
found  its  calm  in  tumult  and  its  ecstasy  in  conflict."  He 
died  January  12,  1153. 


107 


108  BERNARDUS   CLARA VALLENSIS 


BERNARDUS  CLARAVALLENSIS 

I 

DE  PASSIONE  DOMINI:  AD  FACIEM 
Salve,  caput  cruentatum, 
Totum  spinis  coronatum, 
Conquassatum,  vulneratum, 
Arundine  sic  verberatum, 

Facie  sputis  illita. 
Salve,  cuius  dulcis  vultus, 
Immutatus  et  incultus, 
Immutavit  suum  florem, 
Totus  versus  in  pallorem, 

Quern  coeli  tremit  curia. 

Omnis  vigor  atque  viror 
Hinc  recessitj  non  admiror, 
Mors  apparet  in  aspectu, 
Totus  pendens  in  defectu, 

Attritus  aegra  made. 
Sic  affectus,  sic  despectus, 
Propter  me  sic  interfectus, 
Peccatori  tarn  indigno 
Cum  amoris  intersigno 

Appare  clara  facie. 


BERNARD   OF    CLAIRVAUX  109 


BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX 

I 
OF  OUR  LORD'S  PASSION:  TO  His  FACE 

Bleeding  brow,  with  thorns  surrounded, 
Pallid,  anguished,  sorely  wounded, 
Face  so  marred  to  mortal  vision, 
King  so  mocked  in  mad  derision, 

Thee  I  hail  with  ceaseless  loye! 
Countenance  all  changed,  yet  dearest, 
Sweet  Thou  art  and  to  me  nearesfc; 
Though  death's  hue  is  o'er  Thee  stealing, 
Round  Thee  trembling  hosts  are  kneeling, 

From  the  courts  of  heaven  above. 

All  Thy  beauty  is  departed, 

Gone  the  vigor  life  imparted, 

Worn  Thy  frame,  by  death  o'er  taken, 

Comeliness  hath  Thee  forsaken, 

Still,  on  Thee  with  love  I  gaze. 
Since  Thy  death  is  mine  exemption, 
Since  Thy  woe  is  my  redemption, 
Sinner  though  I  be,  I  pray  Thee 
Come,  nor  let  my  guilt  delay  Thee, 

Shine  with  love's  returning  rays. 


110        BERNARDUS  CLARA VALLENSIS 

In  hac  tua  passione 
Me  agnosce,  pastor  bone, 
Cuius  sumpsi  met  ex  ore, 
Haustum  lactis  ex  dulcore 

Prae  omnibus  deliciis. 
Non  me  reum  asperneris, 
Nee  indignum  dedigneris, 
Morte  tibi  iam  vicina 
Tuum  caput  hie  acclina, 

In  meis  pausa  brachiis. 

Tuae  sanctae  passioni 
Me  gauderem  interponi, 
In  hac  cruce  tecum  mori 
Praesta  crucis  amatori, 

Sub  cruce  tua  moriar. 
Morti  tuae  iam  amarae 
Grates  ago,  lesu  care, 
Qui  es  clemens,  pie  Deus, 
Fac  quod  petit  tuus  reus, 

Ut  absque  te  non  finiar. 


BERNARD    OF   CLAIRVAUX  111 

Hear  me,  though  Thou  still  dost  languish, 
Gentle  Shepherd,  in  Thine  anguish; 
From  whose  lips  in  fullest  measure 
I  have  gathered  sweetest  treasure, 

Far  surpassing  this  world's  best. 
Cast  me  not  away  rejected, 
Sinful,  sorrowful,  dejected; 
Now  Thy  head  to  death  declining, 
In  my  willing  arms  reclining, 

On  my  heart  find  peaceful  rest. 

In  Thine  hour  of  holy  sadness 
Could  I  share  with  Thee,  what  gladness 
Should  Thy  cross  to  me  be  showing. 
Gladness  past  all  thought  or  knowing, 

Bowed  beneath  Thy  cross  to  die! 
Blessed  Jesus,  thanks  I  render 
That  in  bitter  death,  so  tender, 
Thou  dost  hear  Thy  suppliant  calling; 
Save  me,  Lord,  and  keep  from  falling 

From  Thee;  when  mine  hour  is  nigh. 


112        BERNARDUS  CLARA VALLENSIS 

Dum  me  mori  est  necesse, 
Noli  mihi  tune  deesse; 
In  tremenda  mortis  hora 
Veni,  lesu,  absque  mom, 

Tuere  me  et  libera. 
Quum  me  iubes  emigrare, 
lesu  care,  tune  appare; 
0  amator  amplectende, 
Temet  ipsum  tune  ostende 

In  cruce  salutijera. 


BERNARD   OF   CLAIRVAUX  113 

When  to  death  my  life  is  tending, 
Fail  not  then,  Thy  presence  lending, 
In  that  fearful  hour,  to  hear  me, 
Blessed  Jesus,  haste  Thee  near  me; 

On  me  look,  and  set  me  free. 
When,  at  Thy  command,  departing, 
On  my  journey  I  am  starting, 
Jesus,  show  Thyself  above  me, 
Loved  One,  then,  embrace  and  love  me, 

And  Thy  cross  my  life  shall  be. 


114        BERNARDUS  CLARA VALLENSIS 

II 

CONTEMPTIO  VANITATIS  MUNDI 
0  miranda  vanitas! 

0  divitiarum 
Amor  lamentabilis! 

0  virus  amarwn 
Cur  tot  viros  inficis, 

Faciendo  carum, 
Quod  pertransit  citius 

Quam  flamma  stupparum. 

Homo  miser,  cogita: 

Mors  omnes  compescit, 
Quis  est  ab  initio, 

Qui  morti  non  cessitf 
Quando  moriturus  est, 

Omnis  homo  nescit, 
Hie,  qui  vivit  hodie, 

Cras  forte  putrescit. 

Dum  de  morte  cogito, 

Contristor  et  ploro, 
Verum  est,  quod  moriar 

Et  tempus  ignoro. 
Ultimum,  quod  nescio, 

Qui  iungar  choro; 
Et  cum  sanctis  merear 

lungi,  Deum  oro! 


BERNARD   OF    CLAIRVAUX  115 

II 

CONTEMPT  FOR  THE  VANITY  OF  THE  WORLD 
0  vanity  most  wonderful! 

0  shameful  love  of  treasure! 
0  poison  most  deplorable! 

Embittering  all  pleasure! 
Why  dost  infect  so  many  men 

By  causing  to  be  cherished 
That  which  more  swiftly  flees  away 

Than  tow  whose  flame  hath  perished! 

0  wretched  man,  consider  well: 

All  men  by  death  are  driven; 
Who  is  there  from  the  earliest  day 

Who  not  to  death  is  given? 
Nor  knoweth  any  man  the  hour 

When  death  shall  come  with  sorrow. 
Who  breathes  the  breath  of  life  to-day 

Decays  perchance  to-morrow. 

The  while  I  dwell  on  thoughts  of  death 

1  mourn  with  tears  and  sighing. 
'Tis  true  that  I  know  not  the  time 

Appointed  for  my  dying. 
Nor  yet,  one  final  thing  unknown, 

What  chorus  I'll  be  swelling; 
Pray  God  among  His  saints  I  may 

Deserve  to  find  my  dwelling. 


116  BERNARD  US    CLARA  VALLENSIS 


III 

DE  NOMINE  IESU 

lesu  dulcis  memoria 
Dans  vera  cordis  gaudia, 
Sed  super  mel  et  omnia 
Eius  dulcis  presentia. 

Nil  canitur  suavius 
Auditur  nil  iucundius, 
Nil  cogitatur  dulcius, 
Quam  lesus,  Dei  filius. 

lesu,  spes  poenitentibus, 
Quam  pius  es  petentibus, 
Quam  bonus  te  quaerentibus, 
Sed  quid  invenientibus? 

lesu,  dulcedo  cordium, 
Fons  vivus,  lumen  mentium, 
Excedens  omne  gaudium, 
Et  omne  desiderium. 


MADONNA    OF    THE    PALM  M.  Baribim 


BERNARD   OF  CLAIRVAUX  117 


III 

OF  THE  NAME  OF  JESUS 

0  Jesus,  sweet  remembrance  Thou, 
True  joy  Thou  givest  every  heart. 

But  sweeter  far  than  honeycomb 
And  all  beside,  Thou  present  art. 

No  tenderer  song  is  ever  sung, 
Nor  e'en  is  heard  a  gentler  tone, 

Ne'er  dwells  a  sweeter  thought  in  mind 
Than  Jesus,  Son  of  God  alone. 

0  Jesus,  hope  to  sorrowful, 

To  those  who  pray,  surpassing  kind; 
How  good  to  those  who  seek  Thy  face, 

But  what  to  those  blest  souls  who  find? 

0  Jesus,  sweetness  of  our  hearts, 
The  living  Fount,  the  soul's  bright  Fire, 

Exceeding  every  transient  joy 

And  every  heart's  most  fond  desire. 


118  BERNARDUS    CLARA VALLENSIS 

Nec  lingua  valet  dicere, 
Nee  litera  exprimere, 
Expertus  potest  credere, 
Quid  sit  lesum  diligere. 

Cum  Maria  diluculo, 
lesum  quaeram  in  tumulo, 
Cordis  clamore  querulo 
Mente  quaeram,  non  oculo. 


BERNARD    OF   CLAIRVAUX  119 

No  tongue  is  able  to  declare, 

Nor  any  words  can  fitly  tell, 
He  only  who  has  tried  can  know 

How  sweet  it  is  to  love  Thee  well. 

With  Mary,  at  the  early  dawn, 
I'll  seek  for  Jesus  at  the  tomb; 

With  plaintive  calling  of  my  heart 
In  spirit,  not  by  sight,  I'll  come. 


BERNARDUS    CLUNIACENSIS 

Bernard  of  Cluny  was  a  contemporary  of  Bernard  of 
Clairvaux.  He  was  born  at  Morlaix  in  Brittany,  but  the 
exact  date  of  his  birth  is  not  known.  He  was  a  monk  of 
Cluny  between  1122  and  1156.  Little  is  known  of  his  life; 
but  it  is  enough  to  claim  for  him  the  high  place  he  holds, 
that  he  is  the  author  of  the  hymns  "  Hora  Novissima"  and 
"  Hie  breve  vivitur,"  if  indeed  these  are  not  parts  of  one 
single  hymn.  No  translator  has  succeeded  in  rendering  these 
into  their  metrical  equivalent  in  English  verse.  Dr.  Neale 
has  perhaps  more  nearly  than  any  other  caught  their  spirit, 
and  given  it  to  us  in  his  "  Jerusalem,  the  Golden,"  which  it 
would  be  idle  to  attempt  to  surpass  or  equal.  The  render- 
ing of  "  Hora  Novissima  "  which  is  here  given  is  felt  to  be 
far  below  the  original. 


121 


122  BERNARDUS   CLUNIACENSIS 


BERNARDUS  CLUNIACENSIS 

HORA    NOVISSIMA 

Hora  novissima,  tempora  pessima  sunt,  vigilemus. 
Ecce  minaciter  imminet  arbiter  ille  supremus. 

Imminet,  imminet  ut  mala  terminet,  aequa  coronet, 
Recta  remuneret,  anxia  liberet*-  aeth,era  donet, 

Auferat  aspera  duraque  pondera  mentis  onustae 
Sobria  muniat,  improba  puniat,  utraque  iuste. 


BERNARD    OF    CLUNY  123 


BERNARD  OF  CLUNY 
THE  LATEST  HOUR 

The  latest  hour  hath  spent  its  little  round, 
The  days  are  now  to  evil  fully  given, 

Let  us  awake!    Behold!  with  dreadful  sound 
The  Judge  approacheth  threatening  from  heaven. 

He  is  at  hand,  He  comes  the  ill  to  end, 
To  crown  with  due  reward  the  just  and  right; 

From  every  pain  deliverance  to  send, 
And  give  to  faithful  hearts  eternal  light. 

The  rough  and  harsh  that  fill  our  souls  with  grief 
He  will  remove,  and  burdens  take  away; 

Unto  the  righteous  He  will  bring  relief, 
And  justly  punish  wrong  without  delay. 


ADAM  DE  ST.  VICTORE 

Adam,  of  the  School  of  St.  Victor,  in  Paris,  was  another 
contemporary  of  Bernard  of  Clairvaux.  He  was  born  in 
Brittania,  but  the  date  of  his  birth  is  unknown,  nor  is  it 
certain  whether  Brittania  means  Great  Britain  or  Bretagne. 
He  died  between  1172  and  1192.  He  is  said  to  have  been 
the  author  of  one  hundred  and  six  hymns.  Trench  puts 
him  "  foremost  among  the  Latin  poets  of  the  Middle  Ages." 
Other  writers,  like  Mrs.  Charles,  Professor  March,  and  Mr. 
Duffield  dissent  from  thio  high  praise.  Neale,  however, 
thinks  it  insufficient.  The  selection  given  here  is  chosen 
because  of  its  theme,  the  symbolism  of  the  four  living 
creatures  in  Ezekiel  and  Revelation. 


125 


126  ADAM   DE    ST.    VICTORE 


ADAM  DE  ST.  VICTORE 
DE  SANCTIS  EVANGELTSTIS 

Circa  thronum  maiestatis, 
Cum  spiritibus  beatis, 
Quatuor  diversitatis 

Aslant  animalia. 
Formam  primum  aquilinam, 
Et  secundum  leoninam, 
Sed  humanam  et  bovinam 

Duo  genint  alia. 

Formae  formant  fiyurarum 
Formas  Evangelistarum, 
Quorum  imber  doctrinarum 

Stillat  in  Ecclesia; 
Hi  sunt  Marcus  et  Matthaeus, 
Lucas,  et  quern  Zebedaeus 
Pater  tibi  misit,  Deus, 

Dum  laxaret  retia. 


ADAM   OF    ST.    VICTOR  127 


ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR 
OF  THE  HOLY  EVANGELISTS 

Round  about  the  throne  of  glory, 

Where  the  spirits  blest  adore, 
Shaped  in  forms  of  diverse  seeming, 

Stand  these  living  creatures  four. 
Like  an  eagle  is  the  first  one, 

Lion-like  the  next  appears, 
Like  unto  a  man  the  third  is, 

Shape  of  ox  the  fourth  one  bears. 

Of  these  shapes  the  forms  betoken 

Christ's  Evangelists  the  four, 
Showers  of  whose  gracious  doctrines 

On  the  Church  unceasing  pour. 
These  are  holy  Mark  and  Matthew, 

Luke,  and  he  whom  Zebedee 
Sent  to  thee,  0  God,  that  father 

Mending  nets  beside  the  sea. 


128  ADAM    DE    ST.    VICTORS 

Formam  viri  dant  Matthaeo, 
Quia  scripsit  sic  de  Deo} 
Sicut  descendit  ab  eo, 

Quern  plasmavit,  homine. 
Lucas  bos  est  in  figura, 
Ut  praemonstrat  in  Scriptura, 
Hostiarum  tangens  iura 

Legis  sub  velamine. 

Marcus,  leo  per  desertum 
damans,  rugit  in  apertum, 
Her  fiat  Deo  certum, 

Mundum  cor  a  crimine. 
Sed  lohannes,  ala  bina 
Caritatis,  aquilina 
Forma  fertur  in  divina 

Puriori  lumine. 

Quatuor  describunt  isti 
Quadriformes  actus  Christi, 
Et  figurant,  ut  audisti, 

Quisque  sua  formula. 
Natus  homo  declaratur, 
Vitulus  sacrificatur, 
Leo  mortem  depraedatur, 

Et  ascendit  aquila. 


ADAM   OF   ST.    VICTOR  129 

Form  of  man  they  give  to  Matthew, 

Since  his  Lord  he  thus  portrayed, 
Just  as  from  the  man  descended 

Whom  in  Eden  God  had  made. 
Luke  the  ox  is,  in  appearance, 

Since  in  Holy  Writ  he  saw 
Rites  of  sacrificial  meaning, 

'Neath  the  veiling  of  the  law. 

Mark,  the  lion,  through  the  desert 

Loudly  roaring,  clear  is  seen; 
Straight  be  made  for  God  a  highway, 

Every  heart  from  sin  be  clean. 
But  on  love's  strong,  double  pinions 

John  is  wafted  from  our  sight 
Into  realms  divine,  as  eagles 

Soar  into  the  purer  light. 

Fourfold  in  their  forms,  these  creatures 

All  the  acts  of  Christ  portray, 
And,  as  thou  hast  heard,  describe  Him 

Each  in  his  peculiar  way. 
Born  as  Man,  He  is  depicted, 

As  the  Ox,  we  see  Him  slain, 
As  the  Lion,  death  He  spoileth, 

Eagle-like,  He  soars  again. 


ALANUS   INSULANUS 

Alanus  de  Insulis,  or  Insulanus,  is  supposed  to  have 
been  born  in  L'lsle,  or  Lille,  in  Flanders,  in  the  year  1114. 
He  died,  says  Trench,  about  the  beginning  of  the  next  cen- 
tury. He  was  known  as  Doctor  Universalis,  from  his  wide 
learning  and  his  great  ability. 

It  is  difficult  to  determine  whether  he  is  the  same  person 
who  is  known  as  the  friend  of  Bernard,  and  bishop  of 
Auxerre.  He  was  the  author  of  a  book  of  parables,  and  of 
many  poems  and  hymns  of  great  merit.  His  poem  "  Est 
locus  ex  nostro,"  is  exceedingly  beautiful,  and  reminds  one 
of  Bernard  of  Cluny. 


131 


132  ALANUS   INSULANUS 


ALANUS  INSULANUS 
DE  VITA  NOSTRA 

Vita  nostra  plena  bellis: 
Inter  hostes,  inter  arma 
More  belli  vimtur; 
Nulla  lux  it  absque  pugna, 
Nulla  nox  it  absque  ludu, 
Et  salutis  alea. 

Sed  timoris  omnis  expers, 
Stabo  firmus  inter  arma, 
Nee  timebo  vulnera; 
Non  morabor  hostis  iras, 
Non  timebo  publicasve, 
Callidasve  machinas. 


ALAN  OF  L'ISLE  133 


ALAN    OF    L'ISLE 
OUR  LIFE 

This  life  of  ours  is  full  of  strife, 

We  live  'mid  foes  and  arms, 
As  they  who  spend  their  restless  hours 

In  sound  of  war's  alarms; 
No  day  without  a  conflict  goes, 

No  night  without  its  woe, 
Our  safety  like  the  gamester's  chance, 

The  hazard  of  a  throw. 

But,  free  from  every  craven  fear, 

'Mid  arms  I'll  stand  my  ground, 
Nor  shall  my  steadfast  spirit  know 

The  fear  of  mortal  wound. 
I'll  not  delay  the  foeman's  rage, 

Nor  will  I  dread,  the  while, 
His  open,  undisguised  assault 

Nor  fear  his  hidden  guile. 


134  ALANUS    INSULANUS 

Ecce !  coeli  lapsus  arcu 
Atque  spissa  nube  tectus 
Rector  ipse  siderum: 
Contra  saevos  mentis  hostes 
Proeliantem  me  tuetur, 
Bella  pro  me  suscipit. 

Franget  arcus  et  sagittas, 
Ignibusque  sempiternis 
Arma  tradet  hostium: 
Ergo  stabo  sine  metu, 
Generose  superabo 
Hostium  saevitiam. 


UNIVERSITY 


ALAN  OF  L'ISLE  135 

Behold!    majestic  on  the  arch 

Of  heaven  His  footsteps  fly, 
Who  robed  in  densely  rolling  cloud 

Doth  rule  the  stars  on  high: 
Me,  fighting  'gainst  my  cruel  foes 

He  seeth  from  afar, 
And  hasting,  on  my  soul's  behalf, 

Himself  takes  up  the  war. 

He  breaks  in  sunder  with  His  arm 

The  arrows  and  the  bows, 
And  casts  into  eternal  fire 

The  weapons  of  my  foes. 
And  therefore  shall  I  fearless  stand 

And  valiant  warfare  wage, 
And  overcome  by  His  great  might 

My  fiercest  foemen's  rage. 


THOMAS  A  CELANO 

Little  is  known  of  the  life  of  Thomas  of  Celano,  his  birth 
and  death.  But  it  is  enough  to  know  that  he  is  the  author  of 
the  "  Dies  Irae,"  the  greatest  Christian  hymn,  with  the  pos- 
sible exception  of  the  "  Te  Deum  Laudamus."  A  thirteenth 
century  monk  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi,  he  wrote 
a  biography  of  that  saint,  and  brought  to  the  work  the  quali- 
fications both  of  intimate  friendship  and  close  sympathy. 
There  are  a  few  other  poetical  works  ascribed  to  him,  but 
with  little  internal  evidence  to  sustain  the  claim.  There 
have  been  as  many  as  one  hundred  and  fifty  English  ver- 
sions or  translations  of  the  "  Dies  Irae  "  and  more  than  one 
hundred  in  German. 

Two  considerations  alone  permit  one  more  translation  to 
be  offered  here;  that  arising  from  the  desire  for  complete- 
ness, and  that  of  nearer  approach  to  literalness  than  many 
other  translators  have  attempted. 


137 


138  THOMAS   A    CELANO 


THOMAS  A  CELANO 
DIES   IRAE 

Dies  irae,  dies  ilia 
Solvet  saeclum  in  favilla, 
Teste  David  cum  Sybilla. 

Quantus  tremor  est  futurus, 
Quando  index  est  venturus, 
Cuncta  stride  discussurus! 

Tuba,  mirum  spargens  sonum 
Per  sepulcra  regionum, 
Coget  omnes  ante  thronum. 

Mors  stupebit,  et  naturay 
Quum  resurget  creatura, 
ludicanti  responsura. 

Liber  scriptus  proferetur, 
In  quo  totum  contineturf 
Unde  mundus  iudicetur. 


THOMAS   OF   CELANO  139 


THOMAS  OF  CELANO 
DAY  OF  WRATH 

Day  of  wrath,  that  day  predicted! 
Earth  to  ashes  melts  afflicted, 
As  by  saint  and  seer  depicted! 

0  how  great  shall  be  the  quaking, 
When  the  Judge,  His  advent  making, 
Strict  account  of  all  is  taking! 

Loud  the  trumpet's  sound  is  swelling, 
'Mid  earth's  graves  its  summons  telling, 
All  before  the  throne  compelling. 

Death  and  nature  shall  be  quaking, 
When  to  life,  the  creature,  waking, 
To  its  Judge  response  is  making. 

Then  the  book  shall  be  unsealed, 

Wherein  now  is  all  concealed, 

Whence  shall  be  earth's  doom  revealed. 


140  THOMAS   A   CELANO 

Index  ergo  quum  sedebit, 
Quidquid  latet,  apparebit, 
Nil  inultum  remanebit. 

Quid  sum  miser  tune  dicturus, 
Quern  patronum  rogaturus, 
Cum  vix  iustus  sit  securus? 

Rex  tremendae  maiestatis, 
Qui  salvandos  salvas  gratis, 
Salva  me,  fons  pietatis! 

Recordare,  lesu  pie, 
Quod  sum  causa  tuae  viae; 
Ne  me  perdas  ilia  die! 

Quaerens  me  sedisti  lassus, 
Redemisti  crucem  passus: 
Tantus  labor  non  sit  cassus! 

luste  index  ultionis, 
Donum  fac  remissionis 
Ante  diem  rationis! 


THOMAS    OF    CELANO  141 

Therefore  when  the  Judge  is  reigning, 
Hidden  things  the  light  attaining, 
Naught  unjudged  shall  be  remaining. 

What  shall  wretched  I  be  crying, 
On  what  Advocate  relying, 
When  the  just  are  near  to  dying? 

King  of  majesty  supremest, 

Saving  whom  Thou  worthy  deemest, 

Save  me,  Thou  who  mercy  streamest! 

Holy  Jesus,  then  recalling 

How  I  caused  Thy  way  appalling, 

Let  me  not  that  day  be  falling! 

Sitting  weary,  me  Thou  soughtest, 
Cross  enduring,  me  Thou  boughtest. 
Not  in  vain  such  labor  wroughtest! 

0  Thou  Judge  of  retribution, 
Grant  to  me  Thine  absolution, 
Ere  that  day  of  restitution. 


142  THOMAS   A    CELANO 

Ingemisco  tanquam  reus, 
Culpa  rubet  vultus  meus: 
Supplicanti  parce,  Deus! 

Qui  Mariam  absolvisti, 
Et  latronem  exaudisti, 
MM  quoque  spem  dedisti. 

Preces  meae  non  sunt  dignae 
Sed  in  bonus  fac  benigne 
Ne  perenni  cremer  igne. 

Inter  oves  locum  praesta, 
Et  ab  haedis  me  sequestra, 
Statuens  in  parte  dextra. 

Confutatis  maledictis, 
Flammis  acribus  addictis, 
Voca  me  cum  benedictis! 

Oro  supplex  et  acclinis, 
Cor  contritum  quasi  cinis, 
Gere  cur  am  mei  finis! 


THOMAS    OF    CELANO  143 

As  a  culprit  I  am  groaning, 

Guilt  my  face  with  blushes  owning. 

Spare  me,  God,  my  guilt  condoning! 

Thou  who  Mary  gav'st  remission, 
And  didst  hear  the  thief's  contrition, 
Me  hast  given  new  ambition. 

Vain  is  all  my  supplication, 
Bring  me  to  Thy  new  creation, 
Save  from  endless  condemnation. 

'Mid  Thy  sheep  a  place  provide  me, 
From  the  goats  afar  divide  me, 
At  Thy  right  hand  safely  hide  me. 

When  the  doomed,  in  consternation, 
Find  in  flames  their  condemnation, 
Call  me  unto  Thy  salvation! 

Suppliant  to  Thee  I'm  bending, 
Heart  of  dust  with  sorrow  rending, 
Have  Thou  care  of  my  last  ending! 


144  THOMAS   A    CELANO 

Lacrymosa  dies  ilia, 
Qua  resurget  ex  favilla 
ludwandus  homo  reus: 
Huic  ergo  parce,  Deus! 

Iesuy  pie  domine, 
Dona  eos  requie! 

Amen. 


THOMAS    OF    CELANO  145 

Sorrowful  that  day  is  breaking, 
When  from  ashes  man  is  waking, 
And  to  judgment  he  is  hastening; 
Therefore,  spare,  0  God,  thy  chastening. 

Gentle  Jesus,  Saviour  blest, 
Grant  to  them  Thy  peaceful  rest! 

Amen. 


BONAVENTURA 

Bonaventura,  whose  family  name  was  John  of  Fidanza, 
was  born  in  Tuscany  in  the  year  1221.  He  is  said  to  have 
been  greeted  by  St.  Francis  upon  his  entrance  into  the  order 
of  Franciscans  with  the  exclamation,  "Buona  Ventura!"  — 
"  Welcome!  "  — hence  the  name  by  which  he  is  most  widely 
known.  In  1245  he  became  professor  of  theology  at  Paris; 
in  1256,  general  of  his  order;  in  1273,  cardinal-bishop  of 
Alba.  He  was  a  rival  of  Thomas  Aquinas,  the  great  Domini- 
can, and  was  styled  Doctor  Seraphicus. 

While  certain  writings  ascribed  to  him  would  indicate 
that  he  shared  the  ecclesiastical  errors  of  his  age,  yet  he 
"  must  have  possessed  a  richest  personal  familiarity  with 
all  the  deeper  mysteries  of  the  spiritual  life  "  (Trench). 
Luther  calls  him  "  praestantissimus  vir,"  and  Dante  men- 
tions him  in  his  "Paradise." 

He  died  at  Lyons  in  1274,  during  the  council,  at  which  he 
was  in  attendance  upon  Pope  Gregory  X. 


147 


148  BONAVENTURA 


BONAVENTURA 

I 
DE  SANCTA  CRUCE 

Recordare  sanctae  crucis, 
Qui  perfectam  mam  duds 

Delectare  iugiter. 
Sanctae  crucis  recordare, 
Et  in  ipsa  meditare 

Insatiabiliter. 

Quum  quiescas  out  laboras, 
Quando  rides,  quando  ploras, 

Doles  sive  gaudeas; 
Quando  vadis,  quando  venis, 
In  solatiis,  in  poenis 

Crucem  corde  teneas. 

Crux  in  omnibus  pressuris, 
Et  in  gravibus  et  duris 

Est  totum  remedium. 
Crux  in  poenis  et  tormentis 
Est  dulcedo  piae  mentis, 

Et  verum  refugium. 


GETHSEMANE 


Hofmann 


or  THE 
UNIVERSITY 

*SdUFORN\L 


BONA VENTURE  149 


BONAVENTURE 

I 
OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS 

Thou  who  art  so  prone  to  measure 
Perfect  life  by  ceaseless  pleasure, 

Think  upon  the  holy  cross. 
Be  the  cross  thy  contemplation 
Through  unwearied  meditation, 

Counting  all  things  else  as  loss. 

Whether  resting  or  achieving, 
Whilst  thou  laughest,  or  art  grieving, 

Weeping  or  in  joy  thou  art; 
Faring  forth,  or  homeward  hastening 
In  thy  comfort,  in  thy  chastening, 

Keep  the  cross  within  thy  heart. 

Lo,  the  cross,  when  ills  oppress  thee, 
Burdens  crush  and  woes  possess  thee, 

Is  thy  one  and  only  cure. 
In  thy  pain  and  deep  affliction 
'Tis  thy  soul's  sweet  benediction 

And  thy  refuge  safe  and  sure. 


150  BONAVENTURA 

Crux  est  porta  paradisi, 
In  qua  sancti  sunt  confisi, 

Qui  vicerunt  omnia. 
Crux  est  mundi  medicina, 
Per  quam  bonitas  divina 

Facit  mirabilia. 

Crux  est  solus  animarum, 
Verum  lumen  et  praedarum, 

Et  dulcedo  cordium. 
Crux  est  vita  beatorum, 
Et  thesaurus  perfectorum, 

Et  decor  et  gaudium. 

Crux  est  speculum  virtutis, 
Gloriosae  dux  salutis, 

Cuncta  spes  fidelium. 
Crux  est  decus  salvandorum, 
Et  solatium  eorum 

Atque  desiderium. 


BONA VENTURE  151 

Lo,  the  cross  is  heaven's  portal, 
In  which  trust  the  saints  immortal, 

Who  have  conquered  in  the  fight. 
This  world  finds  the  cross  its  healing, 
God's  own  goodness  still  revealing 

By  its  wonder-working  might. 

Of  our  souls  it  is  salvation, 
Bright  and  true  illumination, 

Hearts'  delight  without  alloy. 
Of  the  blest,  life  without  measure, 
Of  the  perfect,  countless  treasure, 

Their  renown  and  fadeless  joy. 

Here  is  virtue's  reproduction, 
Great  salvation's  sweet  instruction, 

Faithful  spirits'  hope  entire. 
Of  the  workers  of  salvation 
Ornament  and  consolation, 

And  their  ardent  souls'  desire. 


152  BONA  VENTURA 

Crux  est  arbor  decorata, 
Christi  sanguine  sacrata, 

Cunctis  plena  fructibus, 
Quibus  animae  eruuntur, 
Cum  supernis  nutriuntur 

Cibis  in  coelestibus. 

Crucifixe!  fac  me  fortem, 
Ut  libenter  tuam  mortem 

Plangam,  donee  vixero. 
Tecum  volo  vulnerari, 
Te  libenter  amplexari 

In  cruce  desidero. 


BONAVENTURE  153 

'Tis  the  tree  of  Christ,  made  glorious 
By  His  bloodshed  meritorious, 

Filled  with  fruits  on  every  hand, 
Whereby  souls  are  brought  to  heaven 
Fed  by  dainties  freely  given 

To  the  hosts  of  that  blest  land. 

Crucified!  Thy  servant  strengthen, 
That  I  may,  while  life's  days  lengthen, 

Evermore  Thy  death  deplore. 
With  Thee  would  I  fain  be  wounded, 
By  Thine  arms  to  be  surrounded 

On  Thy  cross,  I  ask  no  more. 


154  BON A VENTURA 


II 

HYMNUS  DE  PASS  ION  E  DOMINI 

Christum  ducem, 

Qui  per  crucem 
Redemit  nos  ab  hostibus, 

Laudet  coetus 

Noster  laetus, 
Exultet  coelum  laudibus. 

Poena  fortis 

Tuae  mortis 
Et  sanguinis  effusio, 

Corda  terant, 

Ut  te  quaerant, 
lesu,  nostra  redemptio. 

Per  jelices 

Cicatrices, 
Sputa,  flagella,  verberat 

Nobis  grata 

Sunt  collata 
Aeterna  Christi  munera. 


VIA    DOLOROSA 


Hofmann 


BONAVENTURE  155 


II 

A  HYMN  OF  THE  LORD'S  PASSION 

Now  let  our  joyful  chorus  sing, 
Let  heaven  with  alleluias  ring, 
To  Christ,  our  Captain,  who  by  woe 
Hath  saved  us  from  our  every  foe. 

The  anguish  of  Thy  dying  pains, 
The  lifeblood  pouring  from  Thy  veins, 
0  may  they  drive  these  hearts  of  ours 
To  seek,  0  Christ,  Thy  saving  powers. 

By  those  blest  scars  which  still  disclose 
Thine  insults,  scourgings,  cruel  blows, 
Are  gained  for  us,  of  worth  unpriced, 
The  everlasting  gifts  of  Christ. 


156  BON A VENTURA 

Nostrum  tangat 

Cor,  ut  plangat 
Tuorum  sanguis  vulnerum. 

In  quo  toti 

Simus  loti, 
Conditor  alme  siderum. 

Passionis 

Tuae  donis 
Salvator,  nos  inebria, 

Qua  fidelis 

Dare  veils 
Aeterna  nobis  gaudia! 


BONAVENTURE  157 

The  blood  that  from  Thy  wounds  did  flow, 
0  may  it  touch  our  hearts  with  woe, 
Till  we  thereby  be  all  made  clean, 
Creator  blest  of  stars  serene. 

0  Saviour,  fill  us  from  above, 
With  treasures  of  Thy  dying  love, 
Of  love  whereby  Thou  still  wilt  pour 
On  us  rich  joys  forevermore! 


IACOPONUS 

lacoponus,  a  nickname,  said  to  have  been  adopted  through 
humility  by  Jacobus  de  Benedictis,  who  was  born  at  Todi  in 
Umbria,  early  in  the  thirteenth  century.  In  his  youth  he 
was  dissipated  and  lost  his  property,  but  afterward  regained 
it  by  his  industry  and  talents.  The  death  of  his  wife  wrought 
a  complete  change  in  his  religious  life,  and  he  entered  the 
Franciscan  Order.  Many  anecdotes  are  told  as  illustrating 
the  peculiarities  of  his  character.  He  seems  to  have  blended 
buffoonery  with  saintliness  in  a  marked  degree.  Possibly  he 
used  folly  for  a  cloak  of  wisdom,  that  he  might  with  more 
freedom,  as  a  privileged  person,  speak  homely  and  unpalata- 
ble truths.  He  incurred  the  displeasure  of  Pope  Boniface 
VIII,  and  was  by  him  imprisoned.  He  died  in  the  year 
1306.  The  hymn  "  Stabat  Mater  Dolorosa  "  is  agreed  to 
have  been  his.  Other  hymns  ascribed  to  him  are  disputed, 
but  this,  which  ranks  second  only  to  the  "  Dies  Irae  "  shows 
in  him  a  poet  of  the  highest  order.  Some  of  his  verses  are 
open  to  criticism  on  the  ground  of  their  Mariolatry,  but 
the  translation  here  offered  need  not  be  taken  to  imply 
the  endorsement  of  those  theological  opinions  which  were 
peculiar  to  his  century. 


159 


160  IACOPONUS 

IACOPONUS 

SEQUENTIA  DE  PASSIONE  BEATAE  VIRGINIS 

Stabat  mater  dolorosa 
luxta  crucem  lacrymosa, 

Dum  pendebat  filius, 
Cuius  anim,am  gementem, 
Contristantem  et  dolentem 

Pertransivit  gladius. 

0  quam  tristis  et  afflicta 
Fuit  ilia  benedicta 

Mater  unigeniti, 
Quae  moerebat  et  dolebat 
Et  tremebat,  dum  videbat 

Nati  poenas  inclyti. 

Quis  est  homo,  qui  non  fleret, 
Matrem  Christi  si  videret, 

In  tanto  supplicio? 
Quis  non  posset  contristari, 
Piam  matrem  contemplari 

Dolentem  cum  filio! 


MATER    DOLOROSA 


Gnido  Rent 


JACOPONUS  161 


JACOPONUS 

A  SEQUENCE  REGARDING  THE  PASSION  OF  THE 
BLESSED  VIRGIN 

Near  the  cross  in  anguish  fearful 
Stood  the  virgin  mother,  tearful, 

While  her  Son  was  hung  to  die; 
Through  her  soul,  with  sorrow  groaning, 
Deeply  grieving,  sadly  moaning, 

Pierced  the  sword  remorselessly. 

O  how  stricken  and  oppressed, 
Was  that  mother,  ever-blesse'd, 

Of  the  sole-begotten  One. 
Sadly  wailing,  comfort  failing, 
Spirit  quailing,  sight  unveiling 

Torments  of  her  glorious  Son. 

Who  his  tears  would  be  withholding, 
Christ's  own  mother  thus  beholding, 

In  the  depths  of  so  great  woe? 
Who,  that  mother  blest  perceiving, 
For  her  Son  so  sorely  grieving, 

Could  forbid  his  tears  to  flow! 


162  IACOPONUS 

Pro  peccatis  suae  gentis 
Vidit  lesum  in  tormentis 

Et  flagellis  subditum; 
Vidit  suum  dulcem  natum 
Morientem,  desolatum, 

Dum  emisit  spiritum. 


Eia  mater,  fons  amoris! 
Me  sentire  vim  doloris 

Fac,  ut  tecum  lugeam; 
Fac,  ut  ardeat  cor  meum 
In  amando  Christum  Deum, 

Ut  sibi  complaceam. 

Sancta  mater,  istud  agas, 
Crucifixi  fige  plagas 

Cordi  meo  valide; 
Tui  nati  vulnerati, 
Tarn  dignati  pro  me  pati, 

Poenas  mecum  divide. 

Fac  me  vere  tecum  flere, 
Crucifixo  condolere, 

Donee  ego  vixero; 
luxta  crucem  tecum  stare, 
Te  libenter  sociare 

In  planctu  desidero. 


JACOPONUS  163 

For  His  people's  own  transgression, 
Saw  she  Jesus  in  oppression, 

And  with  scourges  put  to  death; 
Saw  her  First-born,  sweetly  cherished, 
While,  forsaken  there,  He  perished, 

Yielding  up  His  latest  breath. 

Mother,  fount  of  love's  pure  treasure! 
Make  me  know  of  grief  the  measure, 

That  with  thee  I  sorrow  now; 
Let  my  heart  with  love  be  burning, 
And  to  Christ,  my  God,  be  turning, 

That  I  please  Him,  e'en  as  thou. 

Holy  Mother,  grant  this  blessing: 
On  my  heart  the  stripes  impressing 

Of  thy  Son,  the  Crucified; 
And  His  pangs,  0  let  me  share  them, 
Since  He  deigned  for  me  to  bear  them, 

Since  it  was  for  me  He  died. 

Let  me,  with  thee  truly  weeping, 
Sorrow's  lifelong  watch  be  keeping 

By  the  Crucified  with  thee; 
Near  the  cross  with  thee  remaining, 
With  thee  still  in  grief  complaining, 

May  this  all  my  portion  be, 


164  IACOPONUS 


Virgo  virginum  praeclara, 
Mihi  iam  non  sis  amara, 

Fac  me  tecum  plangere; 
Fac,  ut  portem  Christi  mortem, 
Passionis  fac  consortem 

Et  plagas  recolere. 

Fac  me  plagis  vulnerari, 
Cruce  hoc  inebriari, 

Et  cruore  filii; 
Inflammatus  et  accensus, 
Per  te,  virgo,  sim  dejensus 

In  die  iudicii. 

Fac  me  cruce  custodirit 
Morte  Christi  praemuniri, 

Confoveri  gratia. 
Quando  corpus  morietury 
Fact  ut  animae  donetur 

Paradisi  gloria. 


JACOPONUS  165 

Virgin,  virgins  all  excelling, 
Be  not  now  to  me  repelling  — 

Grant  that  I  with  thee  may  weep; 
Make  me  of  Christ's  death  the  bearer, 
Of  His  passion  make  me  sharer, 

And  His  stripes  0  let  me  keep. 

Let  me  of  His  stripes  partaking, 
By  this  cross  my  thirst  be  slaking 

And  with  life-blood  of  thy  Son; 
Thus  inflamed,  aroused,  defended, 
By  thee,  Virgin,  till,  life  ended, 

Day  of  judgment  is  begun. 

Let  me  by  the  cross  directed, 
By  the  death  of  Christ  protected, 

Find  thy  cherishing  grace  suffice. 
When  this  body  shall  be  sleeping, 
Grant  my  soul  thy  holy  keeping 

In  the  rest  of  Paradise. 


166  AUCTOR   INCERTUS 


AUCTOR  INCERTUS 
SUSPIRIUM  AMORIS 

0  Deus,  ego  amo  te, 
Nee  amo  te,  ut  salves  me, 
Aid  quia  non  amantes  te 
Aeterno  punis  igne. 

Tu,  tu,  mi  lesu,  totum  me 
Amplexus  es  in  cruce, 
Tulisti  clavos,  lanceam, 
Multamque  ignominiam, 

Innumeros  dolores, 

Sudores  et  angores, 

Ac  mortem,  et  haec  propter  me, 

Ah,  pro  me  peccatore! 

Cur  igitur  non  amem  te, 
0  lesu  amantissime, 
Non,  ut  in  coelo  salves  me, 
Aut  ne  aeternum  damnes  me; 


MAGDALENA 


Murillo 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN  167 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN 
THE  SIGH  OF  LOVE 

0  God,  my  love  I  offer  Thee, 
Nor  love  Thee,  that  Thou  savest  me, 
Nor  yet  because  in  endless  fire, 
Unloving  souls  shall  feel  Thine  ire. 

Thou,  Thou,  my  Jesus,  on  the  tree, 

Hast  totally  embraced  me, 

The  cruel  nails,  the  piercing  spear, 

And  shame  unmeasured  Thou  didst  bear, 

And  griefs  whose  number  none  can  tell, 
Sweat-drops  and  torturings  as  well, 
And  death  itself;  and  these  for  me 
Whose  sins,  alas!  have  fallen  on  Thee! 

Why,  therefore,  should  I  not  love  Thee, 
0  Jesus,  who  dost  most  love  me, 
Not  that  in  heaven  my  soul  may  dwell,. 
Nor  lest  my  portion  be  in  hell; 


168  AUCTOR   INCERTUS 

Nec  praemii  ullius  spe, 
Sed  sicut  tu  amasti  me? 
Sic  amo  et  amabo  te 
Solum  quia  rex  meus  es. 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN  169 

Nor  for  the  hope  of  joys  to  be, 
But  just  as  Thou  hast  first  loved  me? 
So  love  I,  and  my  love  will  own, 
Because  Thou  art  my  King  alone. 


170  AUCTOR   INCERTUS 


AUCTOR  INCERTUS 
DE  RESURRECTIONS 

Plaudite  coeli, 
Rideat  aether, 
Summus  et  imus 
Gaudeat  orbi-s! 
Transivit  atrae 
Turba  procellae: 
Subiit  almae 
Gloria  palmae! 

Surgite  verni, 
Surgite  flores, 
Germina  pictis 
Surgite  campis, 
Teneris  mixtae 
Violis  rosae, 
Candida  sparsis 
Lilia  calthis! 


AUTHOR   UNKNOWN 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN 
OF  THE  RESURRECTION 

Ye  heavens  your  joy  proclaim, 

Let  laughter  fill  the  air, 
From  topmost  peak  to  depths  below 

Let  earth  the  gladness  share! 
Dark  tempest's  furious  throng 

Overwhelmed  has  passed  away; 
The  cherished  palm  of  victory 

New  glory  wears  to-day! 

Awake,  ye  springtime  flowers! 

Awake,  and  bloom  once  more! 
Awake,  and  live,  ye  scattered  seed, 

The  broidered  meadows  o'er. 
With  tender  violets  blent, 

Ye  roses  now  unfold, 
And  gleam  of  snow-white  lilies  rare, 

With  wealth  of  marigold! 


172  AUCTOR   INCERTUS 

Currite  plenis 
Carmina  venis! 
Fundite  laetwn, 
Barbytha,  metrum: 
Namque  revixit, 
Sicuti  dixitj 
Pius  illaesus 
Funere  lesus! 

Plaudile  monies, 
Ludite  fontes; 
Resonent  valles, 
Repetunt  colles: 
"Io  revixit, 
Sicuti  dixit, 
Pius  illaesus 
Funere  lesus.11 


AUTHOR   UNKNOWN  173 

Flow  on,  ye  choral  strains, 

Your  generous  powers  employ 
And  you,  ye  warbling  lutes, 

Pour  forth  your  notes  of  joy: 
For  lo!  He  lives  again, 

Just  as  Himself  hath  said, 
Our  holy  Jesus,  all  unharmed, 

Is  risen  from  the  dead! 

Ye  mountains,  clap  your  hands. 

Ye  sparkling  fountains  play; 
Let  echoing  vales  give  back  the  sound, 

Let  hills  replying  say  : 
"  Behold,  He  lives  again, 

Just  as  Himself  hath  said. 
Our  holy  Jesus,  all  unharmed, 

Is  risen  from  the  dead." 


174  MARIA,    SCOTIAE   REGINA 


MARIA,  SCOTIAE  REGINA 
INVOCATIO 

0  Domine  Deus! 

Speravi  in  te; 
0  care  mi  lesu! 

Nunc  libera  me: 
In  dura  catena, 
In  misera  poena 

Desidero  te; 
Languendo,  gemendo, 
Et  genuflectendo, 
Adoro,  imploro, 

Ut  liberes  me! 


MARY,   QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  175 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 
INVOCATION 

0  Almighty  Lord,  my  God! 

My  trust  is  all  in  Thee. 
0  blest  Jesus,  Saviour  dear, 

Come  and  set  me  free; 
In  these  harsh  chains, 
In  cruel  pains, 

I  long  for  Thee; 
With  groans  of  anguish, 
Behold,  I  languish, 

Bending  low  the  knee. 
Still  adoring, 
Still  imploring, 

Come  and  set  me  free! 


14  DAY  USE 


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